### (22) it is appropriate that the members other than the union commit to the implementation of this regulation by means of a letter of commitment. those letters of commitment should be legally valid throughout the lifetime of the initiative and closely monitored by the joint undertaking and the commission. joint undertakings should create a legal and organisational environment that enables members to deliver on their commitments while ensuring continuous openness of the initiative and transparency during their implementation , notably for priority setting and for participation in calls for proposals. ### (22) it is appropriate that the members other than the union commit to the implementation of this regulation by means of a letter of commitment. those letters of commitment should be legally valid throughout the lifetime of the initiative and closely monitored by the joint undertaking and the commission. joint undertakings should create a legal and organisational environment that enables members to deliver on their commitments while ensuring continuous openness of the initiative and transparency during their implementation , notably for priority setting and for participation in calls for proposals. joint undertakings should , where appropriate , identify calls for proposal where a coordinating role for sme participants is promoted.


### (25) the governance of joint undertakings should ensure that their decision-making processes are fit to keep pace with fast-changing socio-economic and technological environment and global challenges. joint undertakings should benefit from the expertise , advice and support from all relevant stakeholders , in order to effectively implement their tasks and ensure synergies at union and national level. therefore , joint undertakings should be empowered to set up advisory bodies with a view to providing them with expert advice and carrying out any other task of an advisory nature that is necessary for the achievement of the joint undertakings' objectives. in setting up the advisory bodies , joint undertakings should ensure a balanced representation of experts within the scope of the activities of the joint undertaking , including with respect to gender balance. the advice provided by these bodies should bring in scientific perspectives as well as those of national and regional authorities and of other stakeholders of joint undertakings. ### (25) the governance of joint undertakings should ensure that their decision-making processes are fit to keep pace with fast-changing socio-economic and technological environment and global challenges. joint undertakings should benefit from the expertise , advice and support from all relevant stakeholders , including but not limited to universities and other research organisations , representatives of industry and smes , in order to effectively implement their tasks and ensure synergies at union and national level. therefore , joint undertakings should be empowered to set up advisory bodies with a view to providing them with expert advice and carrying out any other task of an advisory nature that is necessary for the achievement of the joint undertakings' objectives. in setting up the advisory bodies , joint undertakings should ensure a balanced representation of experts within the scope of the activities of the joint undertaking , including with respect to gender balance. the advice provided by these bodies should bring in scientific perspectives as well as those of national and regional authorities and of other stakeholders of joint undertakings.


### (32) participation in indirect actions funded by the joint undertakings under horizon europe should comply with the rules set out in the horizon europe regulation. the joint undertakings should ensure consistent application of those rules based on relevant measures adopted by the commission. the joint undertakings should use the corporate model grant agreement prepared by the commission. in relation to the period to object to transfers of ownership of results referred to in [article 36(4)] of the horizon europe regulation , the duration of innovation cycles in the areas covered by the respective joint undertakings should be taken into account. ### (32) participation in indirect actions funded by the joint undertakings under horizon europe should comply with the rules set out in the horizon europe regulation. however , in order to encourage the participation of smes , joint undertakings should be able to apply different reimbursement rates for the union funding within an action depending on the type of participant. the reimbursement rates should be indicated in the work programme. the joint undertakings should ensure consistent application of those rules based on relevant measures adopted by the commission. the joint undertakings should use the corporate model grant agreement prepared by the commission. in relation to the period to object to transfers of ownership of results referred to in [article 36(4)] of the horizon europe regulation , the duration of innovation cycles in the areas covered by the respective joint undertakings should be taken into account.


### (33) one of the main purposes of joint undertakings is to foster the union’s economic capacities and in particular its scientific and technological sovereignty. moreover , the post pandemic recovery highlights the need to invest in key technologies such as 5g , ai , cloud , cybersecurity and green tech and the valorisation of these technologies in the union. results generated by all participants will play an important role in this respect and all participants will benefit from the union funding through the results generated in the project and access rights thereto , even those participants not having received union funding. therefore , to protect the union interests , the right for joint undertakings to object to transfers of ownership of results or to grants of an exclusive licence regarding results should also apply to participants not having received union funding. in exercising this right to object the joint undertaking should strike a fair balance between the union interests and protection of fundamental rights on the results of the participants without funding in accordance with the principle of proportionality , taking into account that these participants did not receive any union funding for the action from which the results were generated. ### (33) one of the main purposes of joint undertakings is to foster the union’s competitiveness , economic capacities and in particular its scientific and technological sovereignty. moreover , the post pandemic recovery highlights the need to invest in key technologies such as 5g and 6g , ai , cloud , cybersecurity and green tech and the valorisation , deployment and commercialisation of these technologies in the union. results generated by all participants will play an important role in this respect and all participants will benefit from the union funding through the results generated in the project and access rights thereto , even those participants not having received union funding. therefore , to protect the union interests , the right for joint undertakings to object to transfers of ownership of results or to grants of an exclusive licence regarding results should also apply to participants not having received union funding. in exercising this right to object the joint undertaking should strike a fair balance between the union interests and protection of fundamental rights on the results of the participants without funding in accordance with the principle of proportionality , taking into account that these participants did not receive any union funding for the action from which the results were generated.


### (39) in the context of the european commission’s priority of “a european green deal”13 supported by the revised union bioeconomy strategy14 , the eu biodiversity strategy15 , the clean planet for all communication16 , the circular economy action plan17 and the new farm to fork communication18 , the european bio-based sector , including smes , regions and primary producers should become climate neutral , more circular and more sustainable while remaining competitive on the global scale. a strong , resource efficient and competitive bio-based innovation ecosystem can decrease dependency on and accelerate the substitution of non-renewable fossil raw materials and mineral resources. it can develop renewable bio-based products , materials , processes and nutrients from waste and biomass through sustainability and circularity-driven innovation. such ecosystem can also create value from local feedstock – including waste , residues and side-streams – to deliver jobs , economic growth and development throughout the union not only in urban areas but also in rural and coastal territories where biomass is produced and that are often peripheral regions that rarely benefit from industrial development. ### (39) in the context of the european commission’s priority of “a european green deal”13 supported by the revised union bioeconomy strategy14 , the eu biodiversity strategy15 , the clean planet for all communication16 , the circular economy action plan17 and the new farm to fork communication18 , the european bio-based sector , including smes , regions and primary producers should become climate neutral , more circular and more sustainable while remaining competitive on the global scale. a strong , resource efficient and competitive bio-based innovation ecosystem can decrease dependency on and accelerate the substitution of non-renewable fossil raw materials and mineral resources. it can develop renewable bio-based products , materials , processes and nutrients , including bioenergy , from waste and biomass through sustainability and circularity-driven innovation. such ecosystem can also create value from local feedstock – including waste , residues and side-streams – to deliver jobs , economic growth and development throughout the union not only in urban areas but also in rural and coastal territories where biomass is produced and that are often peripheral regions that rarely benefit from industrial development.


### (88) in the context of the european commission’s priorities for 2019-2024 “a europe fit for the digital age” , “an economy that works for people” and the policy objectives set out in the context of its communications on “shaping europe’s digital future” , europe needs to develop the critical digital infrastructures based on 5g networks and build its technological capacities towards 6g with a time horizon 2030. in this context the commission has emphasized the strategic importance of a european partnership for smart networks and services to provide secure connectivity-based services to consumers and businesses. those priorities can be achieved by bringing together the key players , that is to say industry , academia and public authorities , under the umbrella of a european partnership that builds on the achievements of the 5g ppp initiative , which successfully developed 5g technology and standards. ### (88) in the context of the european commission’s priorities for 2019-2024 “a europe fit for the digital age” , “an economy that works for people” and the policy objectives set out in the context of its communications on “shaping europe’s digital future” , europe needs to develop the critical digital infrastructures based on 5g networks and build its knowledge base and technological capacities towards 6g with a time horizon 2030. in this context the commission has emphasized the strategic importance of a european partnership for smart networks and services to provide secure connectivity-based services to consumers and businesses. those priorities can be achieved by bringing together the key players , that is to say industry , academia and public authorities , under the umbrella of a european partnership that builds on the achievements of the 5g ppp initiative , which successfully developed 5g technology and standards.


### strengthening and integrating the union’s scientific and technological capacities to support the creation and diffusion of high-quality new knowledge notably with a view to deliver on global challenges , securing union competitiveness , sustainability and contributing to the a reinforced european research area; ### strengthening and integrating the union’s scientific and technological capacities to support the creation and diffusion of high-quality new knowledge notably with a view to deliver on global challenges , securing and enhancing union competitiveness , sustainability and contributing to the a reinforced european research area;


### securing sustainability-driven global leadership of union value chains and union open strategic autonomy in key technologies and industries in line with the industrial strategy for europe; ### securing sustainability-driven global leadership of union value chains and union open strategic autonomy in key technologies and industries in line with the industrial strategy for europe as updated in may 2021 and the sme strategy; ;


### provide financial support , mainly in the form of grants , to research and innovation indirect actions , selected following open and competitive calls , unless otherwise specified in their work programme; ### provide financial support , mainly in the form of grants , to research and innovation indirect actions , selected following open , transparent and competitive calls , unless otherwise specified in their work programme;


### 2. unless specified otherwise in part two , the private members shall report by 31 march each year to their respective governing board on the value of the contributions referred to in point (b) of paragraph 1 made in each of the previous financial years. for the purpose of valuing these contributions , the costs shall be determined in accordance with the usual cost accounting practices of the entities concerned , to the applicable accounting standards of the country where the entity is established , and to the applicable international accounting standards and international financial reporting standards. the costs shall be certified by an independent external auditor appointed by the entity concerned. the valuation method may be verified by the joint undertaking concerned should there be any uncertainty arising from the certification. in duly specified cases , the governing board may authorise the use of lump-sums or unit costs for valuing the contributions. ### 2. unless specified otherwise in part two , the private members shall report by 30 june each year to their respective governing board on the value of the contributions referred to in point (b) of paragraph 1 made in the previous financial year. for the purpose of valuing these contributions , the costs shall be determined in accordance with the usual cost accounting practices of the entities concerned , to the applicable accounting standards of the country where the entity is established , and to the applicable international accounting standards and international financial reporting standards. the costs shall be certified by an independent external auditor appointed by the entity concerned. the valuation method may be verified by the joint undertaking concerned should there be any uncertainty arising from the certification. in duly specified cases , the governing board may authorise the use of lump-sums or unit costs for valuing the contributions.


### 1. joint undertakings shall , within one year following the adoption of this regulation , conclude service level agreements on common back office functions , unless specified otherwise in part two and subject to the need to guarantee an equivalent level of protection of the union’s financial interest when entrusting budgetary implementation tasks to joint undertakings. such functions shall include the following areas , subject to confirmation of viability and following screening of resources: ### 1. joint undertakings may , within one year following the adoption of this regulation , conclude service level agreements on common back office functions , unless specified otherwise in part two and subject to the need to guarantee an equivalent level of protection of the union’s financial interest when entrusting budgetary implementation tasks to joint undertakings. such functions may include the following areas , subject to confirmation of viability and following screening of resources:


### 2. the common back office functions referred to in paragraph 1 shall be provided by one or more selected joint undertakings to all others. interrelated functions shall be kept within the same joint undertaking in order to ensure a coherent organisational structure. ### 2. the common back office functions referred to in paragraph 1 may be provided by one or more selected joint undertakings to all others. interrelated functions shall be kept within the same joint undertaking in order to ensure a coherent organisational structure.


### 4. without prejudice to the reassignment to other tasks within the joint undertaking , or to other administrative arrangements , which do not impact contracts of employment , staff assigned to the functions transferred to the common back office , hosted by another joint undertaking , may be transferred to that joint undertaking. where a member of the staff concerned expresses his or her refusal in writing , the contract of that member of staff , may be terminated by the joint undertaking under the conditions referred to in article 47 of the ceos. ### 4. without prejudice to the reassignment to other tasks within the joint undertaking , or to other administrative arrangements , which do not impact contracts of employment , staff assigned to the common functions hosted by a joint undertaking , may be transferred to that joint undertaking. where a member of the staff concerned expresses his or her refusal in writing , the contract of that member of staff , may be terminated by the joint undertaking under the conditions referred to in article 47 of the ceos.


### 5. staff referred to in paragraph 4 , who is transferred to the joint undertaking hosting the common back office , shall keep the same type of contract and function group and grade , and shall be deemed to have served their entire service in that joint undertaking. ### 5. staff referred to in paragraph 4 , who is transferred to the joint undertaking hosting the common back functions , shall keep the same type of contract and function group and grade , and shall be deemed to have served their entire service in that joint undertaking.


### the research programme shall provide support for collaborative research in the coal and steel sectors. the research programme shall also provide support for clean steel breakthrough technologies leading to near zero-carbon steel making projects and research projects for managing the just transition of formerly operating coal mines or coal mines in the process of closure and related infrastructure in line with the just transition mechanism and in compliance with article 4(2) of council decision 2003/76/ec. the research programme shall be consistent with the political , scientific , and technological objectives of the union , and shall complement the activities carried out in the member states and within the existing eu research programmes , in particular the framework programme for research , technological development and demonstration activities (hereinafter referred to as ‘the research framework programme’).; ### the research programme shall provide support for collaborative research in the coal and steel sectors. the research programme shall also provide support for clean steel breakthrough technologies leading to near zero-carbon steel making projects and research projects for managing the just transition of formerly operating coal mines or coal mines in the process of closure and related infrastructure in line with the just transition mechanism and in compliance with article 4(2) of council decision 2003/76/ec1a and shall be open for the participation of , inter alia , small and medium sized enterprises. the research programme shall be consistent with the political , scientific , and technological objectives of the union , and shall complement the activities carried out in the member states and within the existing eu research programmes , in particular the horizon europe – the framework programme for research and innovation (hereinafter referred to as ‘the research framework programme’).;


### use of geothermal energy on former coal sites; ### use of geothermal energy on former coal sites and hydrogen production and storage;


### high-performance steels for applications like mobility , including sustainability , eco-design methods , retrofitting , lightweight design and/or safety solutions.; ### high-performance steels for applications like mobility , including sustainability , eco-design methods , retrofitting , lightweight design and/or safety solution , such as high-strength steels;


### treatment of waste and recovery of valuable secondary raw materials , including slags , inside and outside the steel plant; ### treatment of waste and recovery of valuable secondary raw materials , including slags , inside and outside the steel plant , as well as re-use of secondary raw materials , residues and by-products from other industries , such as biomass , for steel making and alloying;


### (2) in particular , european partnerships in the horizon europe pillar ’global challenges and european industrial competitiveness’ are expected to play an important role in achieving the strategic objectives of accelerating the transitions towards sustainable development goals and a green and digital europe and in contributing to recovery.10 european partnerships are key to address complex cross-border challenges that require an integrated approach. they make it possible to address the transformational , systematic and market failures by bringing together a broad range of players across the value chains and industrial ecosystems to work towards a common vision and translating it into concrete roadmaps and a coordinated implementation of activities. furthermore , they allow concentrating efforts and resources on common priorities to solve the complex challenges ahead. ### (2) in particular , european partnerships in the horizon europe pillar ’global challenges and european industrial competitiveness’ are expected to play an important role in achieving the strategic objectives of accelerating the transitions towards sustainable development goals and a green and digital europe and in contributing to europe’s strategic autonomy and its recovery.10 european partnerships are key to address complex cross-border challenges that require an integrated approach. they make it possible to address the transformational , systematic and market failures by bringing together a broad range of players across the value chains and industrial ecosystems to work towards a common vision and translating it into concrete roadmaps and a coordinated implementation of activities. furthermore , they allow concentrating efforts and resources on common priorities to solve the complex challenges ahead.


### (5) horizon europe introduces a more strategic , coherent and impact-driven approach to european partnerships , building on the lessons learned from the horizon 2020 interim evaluation. horizon europe regulation intends to make a more effective use of institutionalised european partnerships notably by focusing on clear objectives , outcomes and impact that can be achieved by 2030 , and by ensuring a clear contribution to the related union policy priorities and policies. close collaboration and synergies with other relevant initiatives at union , national and regional level , in particular with other european partnerships , will be key in achieving greater impact and ensuring that the results are used. ### (5) horizon europe introduces a more strategic , coherent and impact-driven approach to european partnerships , building on the lessons learned from the horizon 2020 interim evaluation. horizon europe regulation intends to make a more effective use of institutionalised european partnerships notably by focusing on clear objectives , outcomes and impact that can be achieved by 2030 , and by ensuring a clear contribution to the related union policy priorities and policies. close collaboration and synergies with other relevant initiatives at union , national and regional level , in particular with other european partnerships , will be key in achieving greater impact and ensuring that the results are used. in line with this approach , and given the importance of metrology in enabling and supporting other research areas , technological development in areas such as digitalisation and artificial intelligence , as well as civil society services from smart health to autonomous traffic and circular economy , the metrology partnership should ensure appropriate collaboration with the other european partnerships and other relevant initiatives.


### (9) the objective of this decision is the participation of the union in the metrology partnership in order to support its general objectives. the requirements of metrology are of such a scale and complexity that investments are needed that go beyond the core research budgets of the nmis and dis. the excellence required for research and the development of cutting-edge metrology solutions is spread across national borders and hence cannot be attained at national level only. since the objectives of this decision cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states , but can be better achieved at union level by integrating national efforts into a consistent european approach , by bringing together compartmentalised national research programmes , by helping design common research and funding strategies across national borders , and by achieving the critical mass of actors and investments required , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union. in accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that same article , this decision does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective. ### (9) the objective of this decision is the participation of the union in the metrology partnership in order to support its general objectives. the requirements of metrology are of such a scale and complexity that investments are needed that go beyond the core research budgets of the nmis and dis. the excellence required for research and the development of cutting-edge metrology solutions is spread across national borders and hence cannot be attained at national level only. the metrology partnership should also strive to ensure that the results of its actions are taken up and deployed by the industry and innovators. since the objectives of this decision cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states , but can be better achieved at union level by integrating national efforts into a consistent european approach , by bringing together compartmentalised national research programmes , by helping design common research and funding strategies across national borders , and by achieving the critical mass of actors and investments required , the union may adopt measures , in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union. in accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that same article , this decision does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective.


### (11) the metrology partnership’s activities should be in line with the objectives and research and innovation priorities of horizon europe and with the general principles and conditions laid down in article xxx of regulation (eu) [horizon europe regulation]. ### (11) the metrology partnership’s activities should be in line with the objectives and research and innovation priorities of horizon europe and with the general principles and conditions laid down in article xxx of regulation (eu) [horizon europe regulation] , notably regarding developing and promoting scientific excellence , fostering innovation and facilitating technological development and supporting the access to and uptake of innovative solutions in european industry , in particular smes.


### (15) in order to achieve the objectives of the metrology partnership , euramet should provide financial support mainly in the form of grants to participants in actions selected at the level of euramet. those actions should be selected following calls for proposals under the responsibility of euramet. the ranking list should be binding for the selection of proposals and the allocation of funding from the union’s financial contribution and from the financial contributions from participating states for the research projects and related activities. for the activities funded by the participating states’ contributions to european metrology networks , the actions funded should also be under the responsibility of euramet. ### (15) in order to achieve the objectives of the metrology partnership , euramet should provide financial support mainly in the form of grants to participants in actions selected at the level of euramet. those actions should be selected following calls for proposals under the responsibility of euramet. the ranking list should be binding for the selection of proposals and the allocation of funding from the union’s financial contribution and from the financial contributions from participating states for the excellence-based research projects and related activities. for the activities funded by the participating states’ contributions to european metrology networks , the actions funded should also be under the responsibility of euramet.


### (18) in order to ensure transparency and accessibility for the programme , calls for proposals by the metrology partnership should also be published on the single portal for participants as well as through other horizon europe electronic means of dissemination managed by the commission. ### (18) in order to ensure transparency and accessibility for the programme , calls for proposals by the metrology partnership should also be published on the single portal for participants as well as through other horizon europe electronic means of dissemination managed by the commission. due attention should be paid that the calls for proposals are attractive and accessible to a wide range of research and industry players , including smes.


### 1. the union’s financial contribution to the metrology partnership , including the european free trade association appropriations and third country appropriations , shall not exceed the participating states' contributions to the metrology partnership. the union financial contribution shall be up to eur 300 million to match the contributions of the participating states specified in article 1 (1). ### 1. the union’s financial contribution to the metrology partnership , shall not exceed the participating states' contributions to the metrology partnership. the union financial contribution shall be up to eur 300 million to match the contributions of the participating states specified in article 1 (1). the union contribution maybe appropriately increased with contributions from further associated third countries participating in the metrology partnership in accordance with article 16 of horizon europe regulation and provided that that amount is at least matched by the contribution of the participating states.


### 5. for the purpose of valuing the in-kind contributions referred to in paragraph 2 , points (a) and (b) , the costs shall be determined in accordance with the usual accounting practices of the participating states or the national funding bodies concerned , the applicable accounting standards of the participating state where the national funding bodies concerned are established and the applicable international accounting standards and international financial reporting standards. the costs shall be certified by an independent auditor appointed by the participating states or the national funding bodies concerned. should there be any uncertainty arising from the certification , the valuation method may be verified by euramet. in the event of remaining uncertainties , the valuation method may be audited by euramet. ### 5. for the purpose of valuing the in-kind contributions referred to in paragraph 2 , points (a) and (b) , the costs shall be determined in accordance with a harmonized approach , with criteria and processes to be established by the metrology partnership committee in accordance with article 14. to the extent possible , the reporting of costs shall follow the reporting procedures of horizon europe , while taking into account the usual accounting practices of the participating states or the national funding bodies concerned , the applicable accounting standards of the participating state where the national funding bodies concerned are established and the applicable international accounting standards and international financial reporting standards. the costs shall be certified by an independent auditor appointed by the participating states or the national funding bodies concerned.


### — (iii) research to develop novel measurement instrumentation aiming at industrial take-up of metrological technologies to stimulate innovation in industry; ### — (iii) research to develop novel measurement instrumentation aiming at industrial and commercial take-up of metrological technologies to stimulate innovation in industry;


### — (iv) pre-normative and co-normative metrology research and development in support of policy implementation , regulations and accelerate faster marketing of market introduction of innovative products and services; ### — (iv) pre-normative and co-normative metrology research and development in support of policy implementation and regulations and that accelerate the market introduction of innovative products and services;


### — (ii) actions for the dissemination and exploitation of results of metrology research; ### — (ii) actions for the dissemination and exploitation of results , including in the industry , of metrology research;


### 2. before identifying the topics of each call for proposals referred to in paragraph 1 , point (a) , euramet shall invite individuals or organisations from the metrology research community and the general metrology value chain to suggest potential research topics. ### 2. before identifying the topics of each call for proposals referred to in paragraph 1 , point (a) , euramet shall invite individuals or organisations from the metrology research community , industry , including smes , and the general metrology value chain to suggest potential research topics.


### 3. euramet shall ensure appropriate interactions with nmis and dis in the indirect actions referred to in article 6(1) , point (a) , according to the designation by the appropriate national authority. euramet shall also encourage and support the participation of other entities in all calls. ### 3. euramet shall ensure appropriate interactions with nmis and dis in the indirect actions referred to in article 6(1) , point (a) , according to the designation by the appropriate national authority. euramet shall also encourage and support the participation of other entities , including smes , in all calls.


### 1. the commission shall set up a steering group. the steering group shall be an advisory body of the metrology partnership and it shall give advice to the metrology partnership on the emerging priorities for metrology research at european level. it shall in particular: ### 1. the commission shall set up a steering group. the steering group shall be an advisory body of the metrology partnership and it shall give advice to the metrology partnership on the emerging priorities for metrology research at european level , and advise the metrology partnership on how to increase the impact of its research on european industry and economy and society. it shall in particular:


### identify emerging technologies and markets where metrology research could become relevant in the future; ### identify emerging technologies , markets and industrial applications where metrology research and innovation could become relevant in the future;


### 2. the evaluations shall examine how the metrology partnership fulfils its mission and objectives , cover all its activities and evaluate its european added value , effectiveness , efficiency , including its openness and transparency , the relevance of the activities pursued and their coherence and/or complementarity with relevant regional , national and union policies , including synergies with other parts of horizon europe (such as missions , clusters or thematic/specific programmes). the evaluations shall take into account the views of stakeholders , at both european and national level and shall , where relevant , also include an assessment of the long-term scientific , societal , economic , technological impacts of the preceding initiatives. they shall include , where relevant , an assessment of the most effective policy intervention mode for any future action , as well as the relevance and coherence of any possible renewal of the metrology partnership , given the overall policy priorities and the research and innovation support landscape , including the positioning against other initiatives supported through the horizon europe framework programme. ### 2. the evaluations shall examine how the metrology partnership fulfils its mission and objectives , cover all its activities and evaluate its european added value , effectiveness , efficiency , including its openness and transparency , the relevance of the activities pursued , including for industry and smes , and their coherence and/or complementarity with relevant regional , national and union policies , including synergies with other parts of horizon europe (such as missions , clusters or thematic/specific programmes). the evaluations shall take into account the views of stakeholders , at both european and national level and shall , where relevant , also include an assessment of the long-term scientific , societal , economic , technological impacts of the preceding initiatives. they shall include , where relevant , an assessment of the most effective policy intervention mode for any future action , as well as the relevance and coherence of any possible renewal of the metrology partnership , given the overall policy priorities and the research and innovation support landscape , including the positioning against other initiatives supported through the horizon europe framework programme.


### (4) the union and the united kingdom may conclude other bilateral agreements between them that constitute supplementing agreements to the trade and cooperation agreement and such supplementing agreements are an integral part of the overall bilateral relations as governed by this agreement and form part of the overall framework. ### (4) the union and the united kingdom may conclude other bilateral agreements between them that constitute supplementing agreements to the trade and cooperation agreement and such supplementing agreements are an integral part of the overall bilateral relations as governed by this agreement and form part of the overall framework. it is recalled that in accordance with article 774 of the trade and cooperation agreement that agreement neither applies to gibraltar nor has any effects in that territory.


### (5) should the need arise to exercise its rights in implementing and enforcing the withdrawal agreement and the trade and cooperation agreement , the union should be in a position to make appropriate use of the instruments available to it swiftly and in a proportionate , effective and flexible manner , while fully involving member states. the union should also be able to take appropriate measures if effective recourse to binding dispute settlement under those agreements is not possible because the united kingdom does not cooperate in making such recourse possible. it is therefore necessary to lay down rules and procedures governing the adoption of those measures. ### (5) should the need arise to exercise its rights in implementing and enforcing the withdrawal agreement and the trade and cooperation agreement , the union should be in a position to make appropriate use of the instruments available to it swiftly and in a proportionate , effective and flexible manner , while fully involving member states and the european parliament. the union should also be able to take appropriate measures if effective recourse to binding dispute settlement under those agreements is not possible because the united kingdom does not cooperate in making such recourse possible. it is therefore necessary to lay down rules and procedures governing the adoption of those measures.


### (2) the use of forced labour is widespread in the world. it is estimated that about 27.6 million people were in forced labour in 2021.18vulnerable and marginalised groups in a societyare particularly susceptible to be pressured into performing forced labour. even when it is not state imposed , forced labour is often a consequence of a lack of good governance of certain economic operators. ### (2) the use of forced labour is widespread in the world , and its prevalence has risen in the last years. it is estimated that about 27.6 million people were in forced labour in 2021.vulnerable and marginalised groups , as well as women and children , are particularly susceptible to be pressured into performing forced labour. worldwide , 12% of all those in forced labour were children , while women and girls made up 11.8 million of the total in forced labour , and 4.9 million of them were in forced commercial sexual exploitation. forced labour is often a consequence of a lack of good governance of certain economic operators. 86% of forced labour cases were imposed by private actors , while still 14% accounted for state-imposed forced labour in 2021.


### (5) through its policies and legislative initiatives the union seeks to eradicate the use of forced labour. the union promotes due diligence in accordance with international guidelines and principles established by international organisations , including the ilo , the organisation for economic co-operation and development (hereinafter “oecd”) and the united nations (hereinafter “un”) , to ensure that forced labour does not find a place in the value chains of undertakings established in the union. ### (5) through its policies and legislative initiatives the union seeks to eradicate the use of forced labour , while policy coherence for development and cooperation at all levels remains an indispensable principle to put those policies into practice. the union promotes due diligence in accordance with international guidelines and principles established by international organisations , including the ilo , the organisation for economic co-operation and development (hereinafter “oecd”) and the united nations (hereinafter “un”) , to ensure that forced labour does not find a place in the value chains of undertakings established in the union.


### (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 stakeholders , including experts from customs authorities , civil society organisations , trade unions , 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 contributing to coherence in the implementation and helping to strengthen the enforcement of the prohibition. the network should include an area for external cooperation , including relevant consultation and cooperation with third countries' competent authorities , international organisations , trade union , civil society organisations and human rights defenders operating outside the eu.


### (45) since forced labour is a global problem and given the interlinkages of the global value chains , it is necessary to promote international cooperation against forced labour , which would also improve the efficiency of applying and enforcing the prohibition. the commission should as appropriately cooperate with and exchange information with authorities of third countries and international organisations to enhance the effective implementation of the prohibition. international cooperation with authorities of non-eu countries should take place in a structured way as part of the existing dialogue structures , for example human rights dialogues with third countries , or , if necessary , specific ones that will be created on an ad hoc basis. ### (45) since forced labour is a global problem and given the interlinkages of the global value chains , it is necessary to promote international cooperation against forced labour , which would also improve the efficiency of applying and enforcing the prohibition. the eu should continue close collaboration with international organisations in the form of joint projects , technical assistance and funding of initiatives targeting forced labour. the commission should as appropriately cooperate with and exchange information with authorities of third countries and international organisations to enhance the effective implementation of the prohibition. international cooperation with authorities of non-eu countries should take place in a structured way as part of the existing dialogue structures , for example human rights dialogues with third countries , or , if necessary , specific ones that will be created on an ad hoc basis. the eu should also expand , where appropriate , the use of restrictive measures in the framework of its common foreign and security policy against persons or entities that have been involved in the promotion or implementation of forced labour.


### ‘product’ means any product that can be valued in money and is capable , as such , of forming the subject of commercial transactions , whether it is extracted , harvested , produced or manufactured , including working or processing related to a product at any stage of its supply chain; ### ‘product’ means any product that can be valued in money and is capable , as such , of forming the subject of commercial transactions , whether it is extracted , harvested , produced , manufactured , transported or stored , including working or processing related to a product at any stage of its supply chain;


### ‘product made with forced labour’ means a product for which forced labour has been used in whole or in part at any stage of its extraction , harvest , production or manufacture , including working or processing related to a product at any stage of its supply chain; ### ‘product made with forced labour’ means a product for which forced labour has been used in whole or in part at any stage of its extraction , harvest , production , manufacture , storage or transport including working or processing related to a product at any stage of its supply chain;


### ‘product supplier’ means any natural or legal person or association of persons in the supply chain who extracts , harvests , produces or manufactures a product in whole or in part , or intervenes in the working or processing related to a product at any stage of its supply chain , whether as manufacturer or in any other circumstances; ### ‘product supplier’ means any natural or legal person or association of persons in the supply chain who extracts , harvests , produces , manufactures , storages or transports a product in whole or in part , or intervenes in the working or processing related to a product at any stage of its supply chain , whether as manufacturer or in any other circumstances;


### ‘substantiated concern’ means a well-founded reason , based on objective and verifiable information , for the competent authorities to suspect that products were likely made with forced labour; ### ‘substantiated concern’ means a well-founded reason , based on objective and verifiable information , for the competent authorities to suspect that forced labour is likely to have been used in the production or transport of products;


### 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 , remediate , protect 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:


### guidance on due diligence in relation to forced labour , which shall take into account applicable union legislation setting out due diligence requirements with respect to forced labour , guidelines and recommendations from international organisations , as well as the size and economic resources of economic operators; ### guidance on due diligence in relation to forced labour , which shall take into account applicable union legislation setting out due diligence requirements with respect to forced labour , guidelines and recommendations from international organisations , as well as the size and economic resources of economic operators; more specifically , the guidelines shall refer to the right to an effective remedy , including measures ensuring a gender-responsive and child-friendly approach which should include , among others , financial and non-financial compensation , apologies , restitution , rehabilitation , as well as the prevention of harm through , for example , injunctions or guarantees of non-repetition of forced labour. in all cases , remediation must be adapted to the specific context and condition of the rightsholder. the guidelines should also incorporate measures that cover the states' obligation to protect , providing specific measures for immediate assistance and rehabilitation and aimed to contribute to the access to long-term sustainable solutions , as a tool to help to recover and avoid re-victimization.


### a list of publicly available information sources of relevance for the implementation of this regulation; ### a list of publicly and accesible available information sources of relevance for the implementation of this regulation;


### 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 organisations and trade unions.


### facilitate the identification of common priorities for enforcement activities , to exchange information , expertise and best practices; ### facilitate the identification of common priorities for enforcement activities , to exchange information , expertise and best practices ensuring a gender-responsive and child-friendly approach;


### conduct joint investigations; ### conduct joint investigations and reinforce national and transnational referral mechanisms;


### to promote the cooperation and exchange of expertise and best practices between competent authorities and customs authorities; ### promote the cooperation and exchange of expertise and best practices between competent authorities and customs authorities and other relevant stakeholders such as civil society organisations and trade unions;


### 2. where requested , the commission , member states and competent authorities shall treat the identity of those who provide information , or the information provided , as confidential. a request for confidentiality shall be accompanied by a non-confidential summary of the information supplied or by a statement of the reasons why the information cannot be summarised in a non-confidential manner. ### 2. where requested , the commission , member states and competent authorities shall treat the identity of those who provide information , or the information provided , as confidential. a request for confidentiality shall be accompanied by comprehensive protection services , when requested , and by a non-confidential summary of the information supplied or by a statement of the reasons why the information cannot be summarised in a non-confidential manner.


### 1. in order to facilitate effective implementation and enforcement of this regulation , the commission may as appropriate cooperate , engage and exchange information with , amongst others , authorities of third countries , international organisations , civil society representatives and business organisations. international cooperation with authorities of third countries shall take place in a structured way as part of the existing dialogue structures with third countries or , if necessary , specific ones that will be created on an ad hoc basis. ### 1. in order to facilitate effective implementation and enforcement of this regulation , the commission may as appropriate cooperate , engage and exchange information with , amongst others , authorities of third countries , international organisations , civil society representatives and business organisations. international cooperation with authorities of third countries shall take place in a structured way as part of the existing dialogue structures with third countries or , if necessary , specific ones that will be created on an ad hoc basis. additionally , the commission , in particular in developing countries and in accordance with regulation (eu) 2021/947 of the european parliament and of the council of 9 june 2021 establishing the neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument – global europe , shall provide measures to contribute to the effective implementation of this regulation , including financial support for capacity building in partner countries in order to address the root causes of forced labour. within this context , the commission shall provide financial and political support to civil society organisations , human rights defenders and rightsholders , when requested , by raising awareness and supporting access to protection , justice and remedy for victims , among others.


### 2. for the purposes of paragraph 1 , cooperation with , amongst others , international organisations , civil society representatives , business organisations and competent authorities of third countries may result in the union developing accompanying measures to support the efforts of companies and partner countries efforts and locally available capacities in tackling forced labour. ### 2. for the purposes of paragraph 1 , cooperation with , amongst others , international organisations , civil society representatives and human rights defenders , business organisations and competent authorities of third countries may result in the union developing accompanying measures to support the efforts of companies and partner countries efforts and locally available capacities in tackling forced labour.


### a. whereas the global environment is becoming more complex and uncertain , with a rise in conflict and geopolitical rivalry and more frequent and severe natural disasters , notably in developing countries , which affect the most vulnerable; whereas this highlights the need for strengthened multilateralism and continuous efforts to increase the effectiveness and impact of european aid; ### a. whereas the global environment is becoming more complex and uncertain , with a rise in conflict and geopolitical rivalry , the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss and more frequent and severe natural disasters , notably in developing countries , which affect the most vulnerable; whereas this highlights the need for strengthened multilateralism and continuous efforts to increase the effectiveness and impact of european aid;


### a. whereas the global environment is becoming more complex and uncertain , with a rise in conflict and geopolitical rivalry and more frequent and severe natural disasters , notably in developing countries , which affect the most vulnerable; whereas this highlights the need for strengthened multilateralism and continuous efforts to increase the effectiveness and impact of european aid; ### a. whereas the global environment is becoming more complex and uncertain , with a rise in conflict and geopolitical rivalry , climate change and more frequent and severe natural disasters , notably in developing countries , which affect the most vulnerable; whereas this highlights the need for strengthened multilateralism and continuous efforts to increase the effectiveness and impact of european aid;


### b. whereas the world’s population is growing faster than gross national income (gni) , in particular in sub-saharan africa , where the population is expected to double over the next 30 years; whereas in spite of strong economic growth , this will increase the number of people living in poverty and unemployment , emphasising the urgent need to support developing countries effectively in their efforts to reach the sustainable development goals (sdgs); ### b. whereas the world’s population is growing faster than gross national income (gni) , in particular in sub-saharan africa , where the population is expected to double over the next 30 years; whereas in spite of strong economic growth , this will increase the number of people living in poverty and unemployment , emphasising the urgent need to support developing countries effectively in their efforts to reach the sustainable development goals (sdgs); whereas the gap in aid financing for the sdgs is estimated at $2.5 trillion; whereas aid effectiveness will play a critical role in the success of the 2030 agenda; whereas the role of blended finance in bridging this gap should be further explored;


### b. whereas the world’s population is growing faster than gross national income (gni) , in particular in sub-saharan africa , where the population is expected to double over the next 30 years; whereas in spite of strong economic growth , this will increase the number of people living in poverty and unemployment , emphasising the urgent need to support developing countries effectively in their efforts to reach the sustainable development goals (sdgs); ### b. whereas the world’s population is growing faster than gross national income (gni) , in particular in sub-saharan africa , where the population is expected to double over the next 30 years to 2.1 billion in 2050 and 3.8. billion at the end of the century; whereas in spite of strong economic growth , this will increase the number of people living in poverty and unemployment , emphasising the urgent need to support developing countries effectively in their efforts to reach the sustainable development goals (sdgs);


### g. whereas there is a real risk that the benefits of development assistance and foreign direct investment may be captured by political and economic elites in partner countries; whereas this highlights the need for development cooperation that aims at bringing about transformational changes in political economies , notably related to governance , the distribution of power , social exclusion and access to resources , as well as interaction with the global economy; ### g. whereas there is a real risk that the benefits of development assistance , foreign direct investment and humanitarian aid may be captured by political and economic elites in partner countries; whereas forced displacement and migration are direct and indirect consequences of unstable political economies , notably related to governance , the distribution of power , social exclusion , a lack of access to resources and a lack of potential to interact with the global economy; whereas this highlights the need for tailor-made development cooperation that aims at bringing about inclusive transformational changes that tackle these core issues;


### g. whereas there is a real risk that the benefits of development assistance and foreign direct investment may be captured by political and economic elites in partner countries; whereas this highlights the need for development cooperation that aims at bringing about transformational changes in political economies , notably related to governance , the distribution of power , social exclusion and access to resources , as well as interaction with the global economy; ### g. whereas there is a real risk that the benefits of development assistance and foreign direct investment may be captured by political and economic elites in partner countries; whereas this highlights the need for development cooperation that aims at bringing about transformational changes in political economies , notably related to governance , the distribution of power , social exclusion , redistributive policies , social protection and access to resources , as well as interaction with the global economy;


### g. whereas there is a real risk that the benefits of development assistance and foreign direct investment may be captured by political and economic elites in partner countries; whereas this highlights the need for development cooperation that aims at bringing about transformational changes in political economies , notably related to governance , the distribution of power , social exclusion and access to resources , as well as interaction with the global economy; ### g. whereas there is a real risk that the benefits of development assistance and foreign direct investment may be captured by political and economic elites in partner countries; whereas this highlights the need to support and promote - through development cooperation - the principles of good governance , the rule of law , separation of powers , promotion of human rights , combating social exclusion , as well as interaction with the global economy;


### 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 european support is aligned with partner countries’ own efforts , but also with other donors' 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 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 local authorities' efforts , and delivered through their mational and subnational 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 in support of partner country priorities 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 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; stresses , in this regard , the impact that eu use of development aid and foreign direct investment can have on tackling the root causes of migration and forced displacement; 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 at all levels of society in oda beneficiary countries;


### 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 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; stresses that an effective aid programme must be triangulated with an analysis of debt sustainability and should consider the need for parliamentary oversight in a partner country;


### 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 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; calls for the eu to work with non-traditional donors that can demonstrate adherence to aid effectiveness principles;


### 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 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; also calls on the eu and its member states to engage in joint implementation and evaluation of their actions with a view to greater transparency towards citizens;


### 6. stresses that in view of the future implementation of the neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) , joint programming by the eu , its members states and eu development financing partners should build upon the aid effectiveness principles; believes that the eu should collectively set strategic priorities and identify investment needs/gaps in the pre-programming phase and subsequently look at ways to optimise the range of modalities in the eu institutions’ toolbox , including grants , budget support and eib loans , as well as financing from the member states; calls on the eu institutions and member states , accordingly , to share evidence and experience about the kinds of development interventions that tend to be successful and those that have failed , proved difficult to implement or not produced the intended impact; ### 6. stresses that in view of the future implementation of the neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) , joint programming by the eu , its members states and eu development financing partners should build upon the aid effectiveness principles; believes that the eu should collectively set strategic priorities and identify investment needs/gaps in the pre-programming phase and subsequently look at ways to optimise the range of modalities in the eu institutions’ toolbox , including grants , budget support and eib loans , as well as financing from the member states; calls on the eu institutions and member states , accordingly , to share evidence and experience about the kinds of development interventions that tend to be successful and those that have failed , proved difficult to implement or not produced the intended impact; underlines the need to facilitate the creation of markets which are self-sustaining and to ensure good exit practices are taken into account in the pre-programming phase;


### 6. stresses that in view of the future implementation of the neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) , joint programming by the eu , its members states and eu development financing partners should build upon the aid effectiveness principles; believes that the eu should collectively set strategic priorities and identify investment needs/gaps in the pre-programming phase and subsequently look at ways to optimise the range of modalities in the eu institutions’ toolbox , including grants , budget support and eib loans , as well as financing from the member states; calls on the eu institutions and member states , accordingly , to share evidence and experience about the kinds of development interventions that tend to be successful and those that have failed , proved difficult to implement or not produced the intended impact; ### 6. stresses that in view of the future implementation of the neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) , joint programming and implementation by the eu , its members states and eu development financing partners should build upon the aid effectiveness principles; points to the importance of collectively setting strategic priorities and identifying investment needs/gaps in the pre-programming phase and subsequently looking at ways to optimise the range of modalities in the eu institutions’ toolbox , including grants , budget support and eib loans , as well as financing from eu member states or member states' development agencies; calls on the eu institutions and member states , accordingly , to share evidence and experience about the kinds of development interventions that tend to be successful and those that have failed , proved difficult to implement or not produced the intended impact;


### 7. stresses that accountability for all public expenditure , including official development assistance (oda) , is vital both in europe and in partner countries; believes that accountability requires strong institutions and that having clear and agreed targets for european oda is essential for ensuring continued public support for the eu’s development cooperation endeavours; emphasises , furthermore , that accountability requires transparent and robust procedures as well as concern for efficiency and the attainment of demonstrable results , thorough ex-ante and ex-post evaluation , and critical analysis of failures as well as learning about how to deliver effective and sustainable results; ### 7. stresses that accountability for all public expenditure , including official development assistance (oda) , is vital both in europe and in partner countries; believes that accountability requires strong institutions and that having clear and agreed targets for european oda is essential for ensuring continued public support for the eu’s development cooperation endeavours; emphasises , furthermore , that accountability requires transparent and robust procedures as well as concern for efficiency and the attainment of demonstrable results , thorough ex-ante and ex-post evaluation , and critical analysis of failures as well as learning about how to deliver effective and sustainable results; recalls the impact that partnerships and cooperation with civil society and ngos can have on ensuring accountability in public expenditure of oda;


### 8. believes that the use of results-based approaches is critical for the eu’s partner countries and is a fundamental element of their capacity to deliver the sdgs for their citizens; calls on the eu and its member states to support and use partner countries’ own national results-measuring frameworks and their monitoring and statistical systems , and to involve all relevant actors: local authorities; national parliaments; civil society; and the private sector; ### 8. believes that the use of results-based approaches is critical for the eu’s partner countries and is a fundamental element of their capacity to deliver the sdgs for their citizens; points , however , to the importance of taking into account the diversity of the specific situations in and challenges for partner countries , in particular the least developed countries (ldcs) and fragile countries; calls on the eu and its member states to support and use partner countries’ own national results-measuring frameworks and their monitoring and statistical systems , and to involve all relevant actors: local authorities; national parliaments; civil society; the private sector; and foundations;


### 8. believes that the use of results-based approaches is critical for the eu’s partner countries and is a fundamental element of their capacity to deliver the sdgs for their citizens; calls on the eu and its member states to support and use partner countries’ own national results-measuring frameworks and their monitoring and statistical systems , and to involve all relevant actors: local authorities; national parliaments; civil society; and the private sector; ### 8. believes that the use of results-based approaches is critical for the eu’s partner countries and is a fundamental element of their capacity to deliver the sdgs for their citizens; calls on the eu and its member states to support and use partner countries’ own national results-measuring frameworks and their monitoring and statistical systems , and to involve all relevant actors: local authorities; national parliaments; civil society; and the private sector; stresses that investment in the capacity building of local civil society organisations is an essential prerequisite for effective aid;


### 9. calls for the eu and its member states to enhance their commitment to transparent data flows through continuous investment in data visualisation , statistical reporting and the publication of open data , the application of international standards such as iati (the international aid transparency initiative standard) , and by regularly updating the eu aid explorer; ### 9. calls for the eu and its member states to enhance their commitment to transparent data flows through continuous investment in data visualisation , statistical reporting and the publication of open data , the application of international standards such as iati (the international aid transparency initiative standard) , and by regularly updating the eu aid explorer; encourages the eu to step up its efforts to ensure public access and dissemination of data and reporting on the spending of eu development aid;


### 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 is informed by a thorough analysis of the situation in each partner country; encourages south-south and triangular cooperation , as well as more effective involvement of the outermost regions and overseas countries and territories in the implementation of european development cooperation actions in their respective geographic areas , with a view to renewed and ambitious cooperation with europeans in the south;


### 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 and cross-cutting approach , building on decentralised and bottom-up needs assessments and programming , which is informed by a thorough analysis of the national and territorial situation in each partner country; encourages south-south cooperation and triangular cooperation at all levels of governance;


### 11. calls on the commission and the member states to enhance cooperation with and through local governments and , to the extent possible , to strive to ensure that budget support as an aid modality can also be used at sub-national level , and that redistribution mechanisms between different levels of government and across regions are developed with the aim of reducing in-country disparities and inequalities , and ensuring that no-one is left behind; ### 11. calls on the commission and the member states to enhance cooperation with local authorities in partner countries , but also within the eu; calls for budget support as an aid modality to be usable also at sub-national level and for mechanisms for redistribution and equalisation between different levels of government and across regions to be developed with the aim of reducing in-country disparities and inequalities , and ensuring that no-one is left behind;


### 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 – 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; points to the role of civil society organisations , in particular ngos , in mobilising the funds needed to achieve 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 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 and that the commission present a concrete action plan defining how additional resources will be leveraged towards achieving the sdgs; stresses the need to clarify the differentiation between climate funding and development aid and assistance;


### 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. stresses that the effectiveness of aid is no substitute for the adequacy of aid , and reiterates 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;


### 6) how does the commission envisage reinforcing provisions to fight against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity and to ensure that acp partners are fully committed to sexual and reproductive health and rights and to the full implementation of the international conference on population and development (icpd) programme of action? ### 6) how does the commission envisage reinforcing provisions to fight against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity and to ensure that acp and eu partners are fully committed to sexual and reproductive health and rights and to the full implementation of the international conference on population and development (icpd) programme of action?


### k. whereas addressing food and nutrition security requires not only more funding but also decisive political focus and efforts; ### k. whereas food security exists when all people , at all times , have physical and economic access to sufficient , safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life1a; whereas addressing food and nutrition security requires not only more funding but also decisive political focus and efforts;


### 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 ; whereas the 2021 global report on food crises reported the highest number of acutely food insecure people worldwide on record;


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


### e. whereas chronic poverty and high and persistent levels of inequality are the underlying causes of food insecurity and malnutrition; ### e. whereas chronic poverty and high and persistent levels of inequality together with more frequent natural disasters , linked to climate change in particular , 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 food insecurity and malnutrition are conflict , climate variability and climate extremes , environmental degradation , economic shocks , global population growth and failed governance; whereas chronic poverty and high and persistent levels of inequality are additional underlying causes of food insecurity and malnutrition worldwide;


### f. whereas the number of people in need of urgent food , nutrition and livelihood assistance is on the rise; whereas the major drivers of this are conflict , climate variability and climate extremes , environmental degradation , economic shocks , global population growth and failed governance15; ### f. whereas the number of people in need of urgent food , nutrition and livelihood assistance is on the rise; whereas the major drivers of this situation , which is deteriorating , are conflict , climate variability and climate extremes , environmental degradation , economic shocks , global population growth and failed governance15;


### 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 inclusive , efficient , resilient and sustainable food systems are crucial to achieving the 2030 agenda and its sustainable development goals; 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 un decade for action calls for accelerating game changing solutions to address global challenges for people and the planet , from poverty and gender to climate change , inequality and closing the finance gap;


### 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 for every dollar invested in nutrition , 16 dollars can be generated in returns;


### j. whereas women play key roles in feeding the world as farmers , caregivers and producers , but have unequal access to food , resources , services and assets; ### j. whereas women play key roles in feeding the world as farmers , caregivers and producers , but have unequal access to food , resources , services and assets; whereas women assume 75% of unpaid care and domestic work , and women in rural communities and low-income countries spend up to 14 hours a day on care work;


### j. whereas women play key roles in feeding the world as farmers , caregivers and producers , but have unequal access to food , resources , services and assets; ### j. whereas women and local communities play key roles in feeding the world as farmers , caregivers and producers , but have unequal access to food , resources , services and assets;


### 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 we are not on track to achieve the nutrition targets by 2025 or to eradicate hunger by 2030 as stated in sdg2 "zero hunger"; notes with concern that around 660 million people might continue to face hunger by 2030 , also due to the consequences of the covid-19 pandemic; asks to take stock of the lessons learned during the covid-19 pandemic in relation to the need of better functioning supply chains , more sustainable food systems , and stronger social safety nets to ensure that the most vulnerable continue to have access to food even in emergency or crisis situations; reminds that bold actions are needed , especially regarding inequalities in accessing food , to accelerate progress towards the objective of zero hunger;


### 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 affordable safe food for its citizens while guaranteeing a fair standard of living for and the social and economic well-being of its farmers;


### 2. is concerned about the sharp increase in food insecurity in the last few years and calls for increased and more efficient food assistance; ### 2. recalls that the right to food is a human right; calls for comprehensive and strong eu actions to accompany the full and progressive realization of this right as a means of achieving food security for all; is highly concerned about the sharp increase in food insecurity in the last few years and calls for increased and more efficient food assistance as well as the transformation of our food systems; points out that the four pillars of food security are availability , stability of supply , access and utilization;


### 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 that agriculture and food security are the foundation blocks for broader economic development; therefore encourages the transition of developing countries towards more self-sufficiency; notes that this transition should follow sustainable development criteria; highlights that agricultural production area should not be increased at the expense of environment protection and conservation of biodiversity-rich habitats;


### 3. emphasises that food and nutrition programming should be at the heart of post-pandemic recovery plans; ### 3. emphasises that food and nutrition programming should be at the heart of post-pandemic recovery plans; stresses and reminds the european commission and member states of the importance of creating stronger links between short , medium and long-term policies to ensure the inclusivity of the covid-19 recovery plans while also paying special attention to the most vulnerable groups , such as children , youth , women , elderly , and indigenous peoples;


### 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 and strategies on developing countries and taking action in order to achieve the un sustainable development goals;


### 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 strategy to promote a more sustainable and resilient eu agrifood system and support a global transition to sustainable agrifood systems , which benefit people , nature and economic growth;


### 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 , civil society organizations , and international and regional organizations to support the creation of context-specific , feasible and robust national nutrition targets;


### 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 , share innovations and encourage knowledge exchange between the eu and developing countries to increase agrifood system resilience , especially in the context of climate change;


### 7. encourages increased consistency between eu development and trade policies to support the global transition to sustainable agrifood systems; ### 7. encourages increased consistency and complementarity between eu external , development and trade policies to support the global transition to sustainable agrifood systems;


### 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; asks the eu to strengthen its prioritization of food security , biodiversity protection , and sustainable agriculture in its partnerships with partner countries , considering their specific local needs;


### 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 , fisheries and aquaculture;


### 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. notes that , throughout the history of the common agricultural policy , lifting export subsidies and decoupling direct payments has significantly reduced the risk of dumping practices;


### 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 and natural disasters , notably droughts , cyclones and floods , as well as health crises 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 , 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 , climate and economic shocks and loss of biodiversity , 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 , 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 , climate and economic shocks , which often have manifold compounding impacts on the most vulnerable; urges the eu to promote predictable and targeted funding for anticipatory and early action with the objective of addressing and preventing food insecurity;


### 13. recalls that women’s empowerment is crucial for nutrition , food security and resilience-building; ### 13. notes that gender inequalities limit agricultural productivity and efficiency and , therefore , undermine development; recalls that women and girls’ empowerment is crucial for nutrition , food security and resilience-building; underlines that the political and social empowerment of women in public affairs is of paramount importance to have gender-sensitive policies , investments and frameworks to directly address food insecurity; calls on the european commission and member states to support women's entrepreneurship , employment and political representation; urges the european commission and member states to promote a gender-transformative approaches to agriculture , fishing , aquaculture and food systems through capacity building for rural women , specific policy reforms to have fairer land tenure laws as well as specific initiatives focused on economic empowerment and access to finance , as stated in the gender action plan iii;


### 13. recalls that women’s empowerment is crucial for nutrition , food security and resilience-building; ### 13. recalls that women’s empowerment and that of local communities is crucial for nutrition , food security and resilience-building;