### (15) the designation of renewables go-to areas should allow renewable energy plants , their grid connection as well as co-located energy storage facilities located in these areas to benefit from predictability and streamlined administrative procedures. in particular , projects located in renewable go-to areas should benefit from accelerated administrative procedures , including a tacit agreement in case of a lack of response by the competent authority on an administrative step by the established deadline , unless the specific project is subject to an environmental impact assessment. these projects should also benefit from clearly delimited deadlines and legal certainty as regards the expected outcome of the procedure. following the application for projects in a renewables go-to area , member states should carry out a fast screening of such applications with the aim to identify if any of such projects is highly likely to give rise to significant unforeseen adverse effects in view of the environmental sensitivity of the geographic area where they are located that were not identified during the environmental assessment of the plan or plans designating renewables go-to areas carried out in accordance with directive 2001/42/ec. all projects located in renewables go-to areas should be deemed approved at the end of such screening process. only if member states have clear evidence to consider that a specific project is highly likely to give rise to such significant unforeseen adverse effects , member states should , after motivating such decision , subject such project to an environmental assessment in accordance with directive 2011/92/ec and , where relevant , directive 92/43/eec25 . given the need to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources , such assessment should be carried out within six months. ### (15) the designation of renewables go-to areas should allow renewable energy plants , their grid connection as well as co-located energy storage facilities located in these areas to benefit from predictability and streamlined administrative procedures. in particular , projects located in renewable go-to areas should benefit from accelerated administrative procedures. these projects should also benefit from clearly delimited deadlines and legal certainty as regards the expected outcome of the procedure. following the application for projects in a renewables go-to area , member states should carry out a fast screening of such applications with the aim to identify if any of such projects is likely to give rise to significant unforeseen adverse effects in view of the environmental sensitivity of the geographic area where they are located that were not identified during the environmental assessment of the plan or plans designating renewables go-to areas carried out in accordance with directive 2001/42/ec. all projects located in renewables go-to areas should be approved at the end of such screening process. only if member states have clear evidence to consider that a specific project is likely to give rise to such significant unforeseen adverse effects , member states should , after motivating such decision , subject such project to an environmental assessment in accordance with directive 2011/92/ec and , directive 92/43/eec25. given the need to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources , such assessment should be carried out within six months.


### (16) in view of the need to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources , the identification of renewables go-to areas should not prevent the ongoing and future installation of renewable energy projects in all areas available for renewable energy deployment. such projects should remain subject to the obligation to carry out a dedicated environmental impact assessment in accordance with directive 2001/92/eu and should be subject to the procedures foreseen for renewable energy projects located outside go-to areas. to speed up permitting at the scale necessary for the achievement of the renewable energy target set out in directive (eu) 2018/2001 , also the procedures applicable to projects outside of go-to areas should be simplified and streamlined with the introduction of clear maximum deadlines for all steps of the procedure , including dedicated environmental assessments per project. ### (16) in view of the need to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources , the identification of renewables go-to areas should not prevent the ongoing and future installation of renewable energy projects in all areas available for renewable energy deployment. such projects should remain subject to the obligation to carry out a dedicated environmental impact assessment in accordance with directive 2001/92/eu and should be subject to the procedures foreseen for renewable energy projects located outside go-to areas. to speed up permitting at the scale necessary for the achievement of the renewable energy target set out in directive (eu) 2018/2001 , also the procedures applicable to projects outside of go-to areas should be streamlined with the introduction of clear maximum deadlines for all steps of the procedure.


### (22) renewable energy sources are crucial to fight climate change , reduce energy prices , decrease the union’s dependence on fossil fuels and ensure the union’s security of supply. for the purposes of the relevant union environmental legislation , in the necessary case-by-case assessments to ascertain whether a plant for the production of energy from renewable sources , its connection to the grid , the related grid itself or storage assets is of overriding public interest in a particular case , member states should presume these plants and their related infrastructure as being of overriding public interest and serving public health and safety , except where there is clear evidence that these projects have major adverse effects on the environment which cannot be mitigated or compensated. considering such plants as being of overriding public interest and serving public health and safety would allow such projects to benefit from a simplified assessment. ### (22) renewable energy sources are crucial to fight climate change , reduce energy prices , decrease the union’s dependence on fossil fuels and ensure the union’s security of supply. for the purposes of the relevant union environmental legislation , in the necessary case-by-case assessments to ascertain whether a plant for the production of energy from renewable sources , its connection to the grid , the related grid itself or storage assets is of overriding public interest in a particular case , member states should presume these plants and their related infrastructure as being of overriding public interest and serving public health and safety , except where there is clear evidence that these projects have major adverse effects on the environment which cannot be mitigated or compensated.


### (22) renewable energy sources are crucial to fight climate change , reduce energy prices , decrease the union’s dependence on fossil fuels and ensure the union’s security of supply. for the purposes of the relevant union environmental legislation , in the necessary case-by-case assessments to ascertain whether a plant for the production of energy from renewable sources , its connection to the grid , the related grid itself or storage assets is of overriding public interest in a particular case , member states should presume these plants and their related infrastructure as being of overriding public interest and serving public health and safety , except where there is clear evidence that these projects have major adverse effects on the environment which cannot be mitigated or compensated. considering such plants as being of overriding public interest and serving public health and safety would allow such projects to benefit from a simplified assessment. ### (22) renewable energy sources are crucial to fight climate change , reduce energy prices , decrease the union’s dependence on fossil fuels and ensure the union’s security of supply. for the purposes of the relevant union environmental legislation , in the necessary case-by-case assessments to ascertain whether a plant for the production of energy from renewable sources , its connection to the grid , the related grid itself or storage assets is of overriding public interest in a particular case , member states can consider these plants and their related infrastructure in go-to areas and complementary renewable areas being of overriding public interest , except where there is clear evidence that these projects have major adverse effects on the environment which cannot be mitigated or compensated.


### (9a) ’renewables go-to area’ means a specific location , whether on land or sea , which has been designated by a member state as particularly suitable for the installation of plants for the production of energy from renewable sources , other than biomass combustion plants. ### (9a) ’renewables go-to area’ means a specific location , whether on land or sea , which has been designated by a member state as particularly suitable for the installation of plants for the production of energy from renewable sources , other than biomass combustion or small hydropower plants.


### designate sufficiently homogeneous land and sea areas where the deployment of a specific type or types of renewable energy is not expected to have significant environmental impacts , in view of the particularities of the selected territory. in doing so , member states shall: ### designate sufficient homogeneous land and sea areas , including earth´s crust , where the deployment of a specific type or types of renewable energy is expected to have low environmental impacts according to the sensitivity mapping under article 15b(2a) , in view of the particularities of the selected territory. the overall amount of land and sea areas designated as renewables areas shall match the space requirements identified to reach the 2030 and 2040 targets for renewable energy as set under article 15b(1) of this directive and included in national energy and climate plans of member states , as updated pursuant to article 14 of regulation (eu) 2018/1999 in doing so , member states shall:


### designate sufficiently homogeneous land and sea areas where the deployment of a specific type or types of renewable energy is not expected to have significant environmental impacts , in view of the particularities of the selected territory. in doing so , member states shall: ### designate sufficiently homogeneous land and sea areas where the deployment of a specific type or types of renewable energy is not expected to significantly impact the environment or food production , in view of the particularities of the selected territory. in doing so , member states shall:


### — give priority to artificial and built surfaces , such as rooftops , transport infrastructure areasparking areas , waste sites , industrial sites , mines , artificial inland water bodies , lakes or reservoirs , and , where appropriate , urban waste water treatment sites , as well as degraded land not usable for agriculture; ### — first designate artificial and built surfaces and their subsurface for renewable energy except biomass combustion and new hydropower , such as rooftops , transport infrastructure and areas along this infrastracture , parking areas , waste sites , industrial sites , mines , artificial inland water bodies , lakes or reservoirs and , where appropriate , urban waste water treatment sites , and agri-photovoltaic systems in land used for agriculture , where the installation of this type of renewable energy can be expected to have low environmental impact;


### — give priority to artificial and built surfaces , such as rooftops , transport infrastructure areasparking areas , waste sites , industrial sites , mines , artificial inland water bodies , lakes or reservoirs , and , where appropriate , urban waste water treatment sites , as well as degraded land not usable for agriculture; ### — give priority to artificial and built surfaces , such as rooftops , transport infrastructure areasparking areas , waste sites , industrial sites , on-farm sites , mines , artificial inland water bodies , lakes or reservoirs , and , where appropriate , urban waste water treatment sites , as well as degraded land not usable for agriculture;


### — exclude natura 2000 sites and nature parks and reserves , the identified bird migratory routes as well as other areas identified based on sensitivity maps and the tools referred to in the next point , except for artificial and built surfaces located in those areas such as rooftops , parking areas or transport infrastructure. ### — secondly designate areas for renewable energy , except biomass combustion plants and new hydropower plants , where the installation of this type of renewable energy can be expected to have low environmental impact and which are outside natura 2000 network , ecological corridors , the identified bird , fish and marine mammal migratory routes , restoration areas in line with the [nature restoration regulation] , as well as other areas identified based on sensitivity maps and the tools referred to in the next point , except for artificial and built surfaces located in those areas such as rooftops , parking areas or transport infrastructure on the condition that the artificial and built surfaces in question are not spatially expanded and the plan as applicable is subject to the assessment pursuant the article 6(3) of directive 92/43/eec.


### — use all appropriate tools and datasets to identify the areas where the renewable energy plants would not have a significant environmental impact , including wildlife sensitivity mapping. ### — use all appropriate tools and datasets to identify the areas where the renewable energy plants would have a low environmental impact , including wildlife sensitivity mapping , and fully taking into account the data available in the context of the development of a coherent natura 2000 network sufficient both as regards habitat types and species under directive 92/43/eec as well as birds and sites under directive 2009/147/ec;


### establish appropriate rules for the designated renewable go-to areas , including on the mitigation measures to be adopted for the installation of renewable energy plants , co-located energy storage facilities , as well as assets necessary for their connection to the grid , in order to avoid or , if not possible , to significantly reduce the negative environmental impacts that may arise. where appropriate , member states shall ensure that appropriate mitigation measures are applied to prevent the situations described in articles 6(2) and 12(1) of directive 92/43/eec , article 5 of directive 2009/147/eec and article 4(1)(a)(i) and (ii) of directive 2000/60/ec. such rules shall be targeted to the specificities of each identified renewable go-to area , the renewable energy technology or technologies to be deployed in each area and the identified environmental impacts. compliance with such rules and the implementation of the appropriate mitigation measures by the individual projects shall result in the presumption that projects are not in breach of those provisions without prejudice to paragraphs 4 and 5 of article 16a. where novel mitigation measures to prevent as much as possible the killing or disturbance of species protected under council directive 92/43/eec and directive 2009/147/eec , or any other environmental impact , have not been widely tested as regards their effectiveness , member states may allow their use for one or several pilot projects for a limited time period , provided that the effectiveness of such measures is closely monitored and appropriate steps are taken immediately if they do not prove to be effective. ### establish appropriate rules for the designated renewable go-to areas and complementary areas , including on the mitigation measures to be adopted for the installation of renewable energy plants , co-located energy storage facilities , as well as assets necessary for their connection to the existing or new renewable heat networks or to grid , in order to avoid or , if not possible , to significantly reduce the negative environmental impacts that may arise. member states shall ensure that appropriate mitigation measures are applied to implement obligations described in articles 6(2) and 12(1) of directive 92/43/eec , article 5 of directive 2009/147/eec and article 4(1)(a)(i) and (ii) of directive 2000/60/ec. such rules shall be targeted to the specificities of each identified renewable area , the renewable energy technology or technologies to be deployed in each area and the identified environmental impacts and risks. the effectiveness of such measures shall be closely monitored and appropriate steps shall be taken immediately if they do not prove to be effective.


### establish appropriate rules for the designated renewable go-to areas , including on the mitigation measures to be adopted for the installation of renewable energy plants , co-located energy storage facilities , as well as assets necessary for their connection to the grid , in order to avoid or , if not possible , to significantly reduce the negative environmental impacts that may arise. where appropriate , member states shall ensure that appropriate mitigation measures are applied to prevent the situations described in articles 6(2) and 12(1) of directive 92/43/eec , article 5 of directive 2009/147/eec and article 4(1)(a)(i) and (ii) of directive 2000/60/ec. such rules shall be targeted to the specificities of each identified renewable go-to area , the renewable energy technology or technologies to be deployed in each area and the identified environmental impacts. compliance with such rules and the implementation of the appropriate mitigation measures by the individual projects shall result in the presumption that projects are not in breach of those provisions without prejudice to paragraphs 4 and 5 of article 16a. where novel mitigation measures to prevent as much as possible the killing or disturbance of species protected under council directive 92/43/eec and directive 2009/147/eec , or any other environmental impact , have not been widely tested as regards their effectiveness , member states may allow their use for one or several pilot projects for a limited time period , provided that the effectiveness of such measures is closely monitored and appropriate steps are taken immediately if they do not prove to be effective. . ### establish appropriate rules for the designated renewable go-to areas , including on the mitigation measures to be adopted for the installation of renewable energy plants , co-located energy storage facilities , as well as assets necessary for their connection to the grid , in order to avoid or , if not possible , to significantly reduce the negative environmental impacts that may arise. where appropriate , member states shall ensure that appropriate mitigation measures are applied to prevent the situations described in articles 6(2) and 12(1) of directive 92/43/eec , article 5 of directive 2009/147/eec and article 4(1)(a)(i) of directive 2000/60/ec and to avoid deterioration and achieve good status or potential in accordance with article 4(1) of directive 2000/60/ec. such rules shall be targeted to the specificities of each identified renewable go-to area , the renewable energy technology or technologies to be deployed in each area and the identified environmental impacts. compliance with such rules and the implementation of the appropriate mitigation measures by the individual projects shall result in the presumption that projects are not in breach of those provisions without prejudice to paragraphs 4 and 5 of article 16a. where novel mitigation measures to prevent as much as possible the killing or disturbance of species protected under council directive 92/43/eec and directive 2009/147/eec , or any other environmental impact , have not been widely tested as regards their effectiveness , member states may allow their use for one or several pilot projects for a limited time period , provided that the effectiveness of such measures is closely monitored and appropriate steps are taken immediately if they do not prove to be effective.


### member states shall explain in the plan the assessment made to identify each designated go-to area on the basis of the criteria set out in point (a) and to identify appropriate mitigation measures. ### member states shall explain in the plan the assessment made to identify each designated go-to area and complementary area on the basis of the criteria set out in point (a) and to identify appropriate mitigation measures.


### member states shall explain in the plan the assessment made to identify each designated go-to area on the basis of the criteria set out in point (a) and to identify appropriate mitigation measures. ### member states shall explain in the plan the assessment made to identify each designated renewables go-to area on the basis of the criteria set out in point (a) and to identify appropriate mitigation measures.


### (2) before its adoption , the plan or plans designating renewables go-to areas shall be subject to an environmental assessment carried out in accordance with the conditions set out in directive 2001/42/ec , and where applicable , if including artificial and built surfaces located in natura 2000 sites , likely to have significant impacts in those sites , to the appropriate assessment in accordance to article 6(3) of directive 92/43/eec. ### (2) before its adoption , the plan or plans designating renewables go-to areas and complementary areas shall be subject to an environmental assessment carried out in accordance with the conditions set out in directive 2001/42/ec , and where applicable , where they may have significant impact on natura 2000 sites , likely to have significant impacts in those sites , either individually or in combination with other plans or projects , to the appropriate assessment in accordance to article 6(3) of directive 92/43/eec.


### (2) before its adoption , the plan or plans designating renewables go-to areas shall be subject to an environmental assessment carried out in accordance with the conditions set out in directive 2001/42/ec , and where applicable , if including artificial and built surfaces located in natura 2000 sites , likely to have significant impacts in those sites , to the appropriate assessment in accordance to article 6(3) of directive 92/43/eec. ### (2) before its adoption , the plan or plans designating renewables go-to areas shall be subject to an environmental assessment carried out in accordance with the conditions set out in directive 2001/42/ec , if likely to have significant impacts on natura 2000 sites , to the appropriate assessment in accordance to article 6(3) of directive 92/43/eec.


### (3) the plan or plans designating renewables go-to areas shall be made public and shall be reviewed periodically , at least in the context of the update of the national energy and climate plans pursuant to article 14 of regulation (eu) 2018/1999. ### (3) the plan or plans designating renewables go-to and complementary areas identifying land and sea areas , including earth´s crust , necessary for the installation of plants for the production of energy from one or more types of renewable sources other than biomass combustion and hydropower , shall be made public and shall be reviewed periodically , at least in the context of the update of the national energy and climate plans pursuant to article 14 of regulation (eu) 2018/1999 and directive 2014/89/eu.


### designate sufficiently homogeneous land and sea areas where the deployment of a specific type or types of renewable energy is not expected to have significant environmental impacts , in view of the particularities of the selected territory. in doing so , member states shall: ### designate sufficient homogeneous land and sea areas where the deployment of a specific type or types of renewable energy is expected to have low environmental impacts according to the sensitivity mapping under article 15b(2a) , in view of the particularities of the selected territory. the overall amount of land and sea areas designated as renewables areas shall match the space requirements identified to reach the 2030 res target as set in this directive and included in national energy and climate plans of member states , as updated pursuant to article 14 of regulation (eu) 2018/1999. in doing so , member states shall:


### — give priority to artificial and built surfaces , such as rooftops , transport infrastructure areas , parking areas , waste sites , industrial sites , mines , artificial inland water bodies , lakes or reservoirs , and , where appropriate , urban waste water treatment sites , as well as degraded land not usable for agriculture; ### — give priority to artificial and built surfaces , such as rooftops , transport infrastructure areas , parking areas , waste sites , industrial sites , farming and agro-industrial structures , in particular all roofs of farm buildings , mines , artificial inland water bodies , lakes or reservoirs , and , where appropriate , urban waste water treatment sites , as well as degraded land not usable for agriculture;


### — exclude natura 2000 sites and nature parks and reserves , the identified bird migratory routes as well as other areas identified based on sensitivity maps and the tools referred to in the next point , except for artificial and built surfaces located in those areas such as rooftops , parking areas or transport infrastructure. ### — exclude natura 2000 sites , productive farmland , agricultural areas producing high-quality agri-food products and products with a special connection to the local landscape and culture , nature parks and reserves , the identified bird migratory routes as well as other areas identified based on sensitivity maps and the tools referred to in the next point , except for artificial and built surfaces located in those areas such as rooftops , parking areas or transport infrastructure.


### — exclude natura 2000 sites and nature parks and reserves , the identified bird migratory routes as well as other areas identified based on sensitivity maps and the tools referred to in the next point , except for artificial and built surfaces located in those areas such as rooftops , parking areas or transport infrastructure. ### — exclude natura 2000 sites and nature parks and reserves , the identified bird migratory routes , areas subject to restoration measures , as well as other areas identified based on sensitivity maps and the tools referred to in the next point , except for artificial and built surfaces located in those areas such as rooftops , parking areas or transport infrastructure.


### (1) the permit-granting process shall cover all relevant administrative permits to build , repower and operate plants for the production of energy from renewable sources , co-located energy storage facilities , as well as assets necessary for their connection to the grid , including grid connection permits and environmental assessments where these are required. the permit-granting process shall comprise all procedures from the acknowledgment of the validity of the application in accordance with paragraph 2 to the notification of the final decision on the outcome of the procedure by the relevant authority or authorities. ### (1) the permit-granting process shall cover all relevant administrative permits to build , repower and operate plants for the production of energy from renewable sources , co-located energy storage facilities , as well as assets necessary for their connection to the heat networks , renewable district heating systems and the grid , including grid connection permits and environmental assessments where these are required. the permit-granting process shall comprise all procedures from the acknowledgment of the validity of the application in accordance with paragraph 2 to the notification of the final decision on the outcome of the procedure by the relevant authority or authorities.


### without prejudice to paragraphs 4 and 5 , by derogation from article 4(2) of directive 2011/92/eu , and annex ii , points 3(a) , (b) , (d) , (h) , (i) , and 6(c) alone or in conjunction with point 13(a) to that directive as far as this concerns renewable energy projects , new applications for renewable energy plants , except for biomass combustion plants , including the repowering of plants , in already designated renewables go-to areas for the respective technology , co-located storage facilities as well as their connection to the grid , shall be exempted from the requirement to carry out a dedicated environmental impact assessment under article 2(1) of directive 2011/92/eu , provided that these projects comply with the rules and measures set out in accordance with article 15c(1) , point (b). the exemption from the application of directive 2011/92/eu above shall not apply to projects which are likely to have significant effects on the environment in another member state or where a member state likely to be significantly affected so requests , as provided for in article 7 of the said directive. ### deleted


### without prejudice to paragraphs 4 and 5 , by derogation from article 4(2) of directive 2011/92/eu , and annex ii , points 3(a) , (b) , (d) , (h) , (i) , and 6(c) alone or in conjunction with point 13(a) to that directive as far as this concerns renewable energy projects , new applications for renewable energy plants , except for biomass combustion plants , including the repowering of plants , in already designated renewables go-to areas for the respective technology , co-located storage facilities as well as their connection to the grid , shall be exempted from the requirement to carry out a dedicated environmental impact assessment under article 2(1) of directive 2011/92/eu , provided that these projects comply with the rules and measures set out in accordance with article 15c(1) , point (b). the exemption from the application of directive 2011/92/eu above shall not apply to projects which are likely to have significant effects on the environment in another member state or where a member state likely to be significantly affected so requests , as provided for in article 7 of the said directive. ### without prejudice to paragraphs 4 and 5 , by derogation from article 4(2) of directive 2011/92/eu , and annex ii , points 3(a) , (b) , (d) , (h) , (i) , and 6(c) alone or in conjunction with point 13(a) to that directive as far as this concerns renewable energy projects , new applications for renewable energy plants , except for biomass combustion plants or small hydropower plants , including the repowering of plants , in already designated renewables go-to areas for the respective technology , co-located storage facilities as well as their connection to the grid , shall be exempted from the requirement to carry out a dedicated environmental impact assessment under article 2(1) of directive 2011/92/eu , provided that these projects comply with the rules and measures set out in accordance with article 15c(1) , point (b). the exemption from the application of directive 2011/92/eu above shall not apply to projects which are likely to have significant effects on the environment in another member state or where a member state likely to be significantly affected so requests , as provided for in article 7 of the said directive.


### by derogation from article 6(3) of directive 92/43/eec , the plants referred to in the first subparagraph , shall not be subject to an assessment of their implications for natura 2000 sites. ### by derogation from article 6(3) of directive 92/43/eec , the plants referred to in the first subparagraph , shall not be subject to an assessment of their implications for natura 2000 sites , provided that these projects comply with the rules and measures set out in accordance with article15c(1) , point (b).


### (4) the competent authorities of member states shall carry out a screening of the applications referred to in paragraph 3. such screening shall aim to identify if any of such projects is highly likely to give rise to significant unforeseen adverse effects in view of the environmental sensitivity of the geographical areas where they are located , that were not identified during the environmental assessment of the plan or plans designating renewables go-to areas carried out in accordance with directive 2001/42/ec and , if relevant , with directive 92/43/eec. the screening carried out for the repowering of projects shall be limited to the potential impacts stemming from the change or extension compared to the original project. ### deleted


### the competent authorities of member states shall carry out a screening of the applications referred to in paragraph 3. such screening shall aim to identify if any of such projects is highly likely to give rise to significant unforeseen adverse effects in view of the environmental sensitivity of the geographical areas where they are located , that were not identified during the environmental assessment of the plan or plans designating renewables go-to areas carried out in accordance with directive 2001/42/ec and , if relevant , with directive 92/43/eec. the screening carried out for the repowering of projects shall be limited to the potential impacts stemming from the change or extension compared to the original project. ### deleted


### the competent authorities of member states shall carry out a screening of the applications referred to in paragraph 3. such screening shall aim to identify if any of such projects is highly likely to give rise to significant unforeseen adverse effects in view of the environmental sensitivity of the geographical areas where they are located , that were not identified during the environmental assessment of the plan or plans designating renewables go-to areas carried out in accordance with directive 2001/42/ec and , if relevant , with directive 92/43/eec. the screening carried out for the repowering of projects shall be limited to the potential impacts stemming from the change or extension compared to the original project. ### the competent authorities of member states shall carry out a screening of the applications referred to in paragraph 3. suchscreening shall aim to identify if any of such projects is likely to give rise to significant adverse effects in view of the environmental sensitivity of the geographical areas where they are located , that were not identified and mitigated during the environmental assessment of the plan or plans designating renewables go-to areas carried out in accordance with directive 2001/42/ec and , if relevant , with directive 92/43/eec.


### for the purpose of such screening , the project developer shall provide information on the characteristics of the project , on its compliance with the rules and measures identified according to article 15c (1) , points (b) and (c) , for the specific go-to area , on any additional measures adopted by the project and how these measures address environmental impacts. such screening shall be finalised within 30 days from the date of submission of the applications for new renewable energy plants , with the exception of applications for installations with an electrical capacity of less than 150 kw. for such installations and for new applications for the repowering of plants , the screening phase shall be finalized within 15 days. ### deleted


### for the purpose of such screening , the project developer shall provide information on the characteristics of the project , on its compliance with the rules and measures identified according to article 15c (1) , points (b) and (c) , for the specific go-to area , on any additional measures adopted by the project and how these measures address environmental impacts. such screening shall be finalised within 30 days from the date of submission of the applications for new renewable energy plants , with the exception of applications for installations with an electrical capacity of less than 150 kw. for such installations and for new applications for the repowering of plants , the screening phase shall be finalized within 15 days. ### for the purpose of such screening , the project developer shall provide information on the characteristics of the project , on its potential impact on the environment , on its compliance with the rules and measures identified according to article 15c (1) , points (b) and (c) , for the specific go-to area , on any additional measures adopted by the project and how these measures address environmental impacts. such screening shall be finalised within 30 days from the date of submission of the applications for new renewable energy plants , with the exception of applications for installations with an electrical capacity of less than 150 kw. for such installations and for new applications for the repowering of plants , the screening phase shall be finalized within 15 days.


### (5) following the screening process , the applications referred to in paragraph 3 shall be authorised from an environmental perspective without requiring any express decision from the competent authority , unless the competent authority adopts an administrative decision , duly motivated and based on clear evidence , that a specific project is highly likely to give rise to significantunforeseen adverse effects in view of the environmental sensitivity of the geographic area where they are located that cannot be mitigated by the measures identified in the plan or plans designating go-to areas or proposed by the developer for the project. such decision shall be made available to the public. such projects shall be subject to an assessment in accordance with directive 2011/92/ec and , if applicable , to an assessment under article 6(3) of directive 92/43/eec , which shall be carried out within six months following the screening decision. ### deleted


### (5) following the screening process , the applications referred to in paragraph 3 shall be authorised from an environmental perspective without requiring any express decision from the competent authority , unless the competent authority adopts an administrative decision , duly motivated and based on clear evidence , that a specific project is highly likely to give rise to significant unforeseen adverse effects in view of the environmental sensitivity of the geographic area where they are located that cannot be mitigated by the measures identified in the plan or plans designating go-to areas or proposed by the developer for the project. such decision shall be made available to the public. such projects shall be subject to an assessment in accordance with directive 2011/92/ec and , if applicable , to an assessment under article 6(3) of directive 92/43/eec , which shall be carried out within six months following the screening decision. ### (5) following the screening process , the competent authority issue a decision , duly motivated and based on clear evidence , whether a specific project is likely to give rise to significant adverse effects in view of the environmental sensitivity of the geographic area where they are located that cannot be mitigated by the measures identified in the plan or plans designating go-to areas or proposed by the developer for the project. such decision shall be made available to the public. projects likely to give rise to significant adverse effects shall be subject to an assessment in accordance with directive 2011/92/ec and , if applicable , to an assessment under article 6(3) of directive 92/43/eec , which shall be carried out within six months following the screening decision.


### (6) in the permit-granting process of the applications referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 , the lack of reply of the relevant administrative bodies within the established deadline shall result in the specific administrative steps to be considered as approved , except in those cases where the specific project is subject to an environmental impact assessment in accordance with paragraph 5. all resulting decisions will be publicly available. ### deleted


### (6) in the permit-granting process of the applications referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 , the lack of reply of the relevant administrative bodies within the established deadline shall result in the specific administrative steps to be considered as approved , except in those cases where the specific project is subject to an environmental impact assessment in accordance with paragraph 5. all resulting decisions will be publicly available. ### (6) in the permit-granting process of the applications referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 , the lack of reply of the relevant administrative bodies within the established deadline shall result in the specific administrative steps to be considered as approved , except in those cases where the specific project is subject to an environmental impact assessment. all resulting decisions will be publicly available.


### where an environmental assessment is required under directive 2011/92/eu or directive 92/43/eec , it shall be carried out in a single procedure that combines all relevant assessments for a given project. when any such environmental impact assessment is required , the competent authority , taking into account the information provided by the developer , shall issue an opinion on the scope and level of detail of the information to be included by the developer in the environmental impact assessment report , of which the scope shall not be extended subsequently. where the specific projects have adopted appropriate mitigation measures , any killing or disturbance of the species protected under article 12(1) of directive 92/43/eec and article 5 of directive 2009/147/ec shall not be considered deliberate. where novel mitigation measures to prevent as much as possible the killing or disturbance of species protected under council directive 92/43/eec and directive 2009/147/eec , or any other environmental impact , have not been widely tested as regards their effectiveness , member states may allow their use for one or several pilot projects for a limited time period , provided that the effectiveness of such measures is closely monitored and appropriate steps are taken immediately if they do not prove to be effective. the permit-granting process for the repowering of projects and for new installations with an electrical capacity of less than 150 kw , co-located storage facilities as well as their grid connection , located outside renewables go-to areas shall not exceed one year including environmental assessments where required by relevant legislation. where duly justified on the ground of extraordinary circumstances , this one-year period may be extended by up to three months. member states shall clearly inform the developers about the extraordinary circumstances that justified the extension. ### the permit-granting process for the repowering of projects and for new installations with an electrical capacity of less than 150 kw , co-located storage facilities as well as their grid connection , located outside renewables go-to areas and complementary areas shall not exceed one year including environmental assessments where required by relevant legislation.


### where an environmental assessment is required under directive 2011/92/eu or directive 92/43/eec , it shall be carried out in a single procedure that combines all relevant assessments for a given project. when any such environmental impact assessment is required , the competent authority , taking into account the information provided by the developer , shall issue an opinion on the scope and level of detail of the information to be included by the developer in the environmental impact assessment report , of which the scope shall not be extended subsequently. where the specific projects have adopted appropriate mitigation measures , any killing or disturbance of the species protected under article 12(1) of directive 92/43/eec and article 5 of directive 2009/147/ec shall not be considered deliberate. where novel mitigation measures to prevent as much as possible the killing or disturbance of species protected under council directive 92/43/eec and directive 2009/147/eec , or any other environmental impact , have not been widely tested as regards their effectiveness , member states may allow their use for one or several pilot projects for a limited time period , provided that the effectiveness of such measures is closely monitored and appropriate steps are taken immediately if they do not prove to be effective. the permit-granting process for the repowering of projects and for new installations with an electrical capacity of less than 150 kw , co-located storage facilities as well as their grid connection , located outside renewables go-to areas shall not exceed one year including environmental assessments where required by relevant legislation. where duly justified on the ground of extraordinary circumstances , this one-year period may be extended by up to three months. member states shall clearly inform the developers about the extraordinary circumstances that justified the extension. ### where an environmental assessment is required under directive 2011/92/eu or directive 92/43/eec , it shall be carried out in a single procedure that combines all relevant assessments for a given project. when any such environmental impact assessment is required , the competent authority , taking into account the information provided by the developer , shall issue an opinion on the scope and level of detail of the information to be included by the developer in the environmental impact assessment report , of which the scope shall not be extended more than once , when duly justified by the relevant authorities. where the specific projects have adopted appropriate mitigation measures , any killing or disturbance of the species protected under article 12(1) of directive 92/43/eec and article 5 of directive 2009/147/ec shall not be considered deliberate. where novel mitigation measures to prevent as much as possible the killing or disturbance of species protected under council directive 92/43/eec and directive 2009/147/eec , or any other environmental impact , have not been widely tested as regards their effectiveness , member states may allow their use for one or several pilot projects for a limited time period , provided that the effectiveness of such measures is closely monitored and appropriate steps are taken immediately if they do not prove to be effective. the permit-granting process for the repowering of projects and for new installations with an electrical capacity of less than 150 kw , co-located storage facilities as well as their grid connection , located outside renewables go-to areas shall not exceed one year including environmental assessments where required by relevant legislation. where duly justified on the ground of extraordinary circumstances , this one-year period may be extended by up to three months. member states shall clearly inform the developers about the extraordinary circumstances that justified the extension.


### member states shall facilitate the repowering of projects located outside go-to areas by ensuring that , if an environmental assessment for a project is required under the union environmental legislation , such assessment shall be limited to the potential impacts stemming from the change or extension compared to the original project. ### deleted


### (1) member states shall ensure that the permit-granting process referred to in article 16(1) for the installation of solar energy equipment , including building-integrated solar installations , in existing or future artificial structures , with the exclusion of artificial water surfaces , shall not exceed three months , provided that the primary aim of such structures is not solar energy production. by derogation from article 4(2) of directive 2011/92/eu andannex ii , points 3(a) and (b) , alone or in conjunction with point 13(a) to that directive , such installation of solar equipment shall be exempted from the requirement , if applicable , to carry out a dedicated environmental impact assessment under article 2(1) of directive 2011/92/eu. ### (1) member states shall ensure that the permit-granting process referred to in article 16(1) for the installation of solar energy equipment , including building-integrated solar installations , in existing or future artificial structures , with the exclusion of artificial water surfaces , shall not exceed three months , provided that the primary aim of such structures is not solar energy production.


### by [three months from entry into force] , until climate neutrality is achieved , member states shall ensure that , in the permit-granting process , the planning , construction and operation of plants for the production of energy from renewable sources , their connection to the grid and the related grid itself and storage assets are presumed as being in the overriding public interest and serving public health and safety when balancing legal interests in the individual cases for the purposes of articles 6(4) and 16(1)(c) of directive 92/43/eec , article 4(7) of directive 2000/60/ec and article 9(1)(a) of directive 2009/147/ec. ### by [three months from entry into force] , until share of energy from renewable sources in the union’s gross final consumption of energy in 2030 is at least 45 % , the planning , construction and operation of plants for the production of energy from renewable sources , their connection to renewable heat network or to grid and the related grid itself and storage assets other than biomass combustion plants and hydropower plants , in go-to areas and complementary areas may be considered of overriding public interest within a meaning of articles 6(4) and 16(1)(c) of directive 92/43/eec , article 4(7) and article 9(1)(a) of directive 2009/147/ec.


### by [three months from entry into force] , until climate neutrality is achieved , member states shall ensure that , in the permit-granting process , the planning , construction and operation of plants for the production of energy from renewable sources , their connection to the grid and the related grid itself and storage assets are presumed as being in the overriding public interest and serving public health and safety when balancing legal interests in the individual cases for the purposes of articles 6(4) and 16(1)(c) of directive 92/43/eec , article 4(7) of directive 2000/60/ec and article 9(1)(a) of directive 2009/147/ec. ### by [three months from entry into force] , until climate neutrality is achieved , member states shall ensure that , in the permit-granting process , the planning , construction and operation of plants for the production of energy from renewable sources , their connection to the grid and the related grid itself and storage assets may be as being in the overriding public interest and serving public health and safety when balancing legal interests in the individual cases for the purposes of articles 6(4) and 16(1)(c) of directive 92/43/eec , article 4(7) of directive 2000/60/ec and article 9(1)(a) of directive 2009/147/ec.


### (6) a further simplification and shortening of the administrative permit-granting processes in a coordinated and harmonised manner is necessary in order to ensure that the union reaches its ambitious climate and energy targets for 2030 and the objective of climate-neutrality by 2050 , while taking into account the “do no harm” principle of the european green deal. the introduction of shorter and clear deadlines for decisions to be taken by the authorities competent for issuing the authorisation for the renewable energy installations on the basis of a complete application , will accelerate the deployment of renewable energy projects. it is appropriate however to make a distinction between projects in areas particularly suitable for the deployment of renewable energy projects , for which deadlines can be particularly streamlined (renewables go-to areas) , and projects located outside those areas. ### (6) a further simplification and shortening of the administrative permit-granting processes in a coordinated and harmonised manner is necessary in order to ensure that the union reaches its ambitious climate and energy targets for 2030 and the objective of climate-neutrality by 2050 , while taking into account the “do no harm” principle of the european green deal. the introduction of shorter and clear deadlines for decisions to be taken by the authorities competent for issuing the authorisation for the renewable energy installations on the basis of a complete application , will accelerate the deployment of renewable energy projects. these processes must also offer the possibility of issuing automatic authorisation for the project , using a ‘tacit consent’ procedure , in cases where the time limits set by law for issuing the authorisation are not complied with and the project has met all the necessary requirements , which can be subsequently verified by the authorities. it is appropriate however to make a distinction between projects in areas particularly suitable for the deployment of renewable energy projects , for which deadlines can be particularly streamlined (renewables go-to areas) , and projects located outside those areas.


### b. whereas the destruction of natural habitats and both the illegal and legal trade in and the use of wildlife contributes significantly to biodiversity decline , undermines global efforts to combat climate change and induces corruption; ### b. whereas the destruction of natural habitats , the illegal trade in and the use of wildlife contributes significantly to biodiversity decline , undermines global efforts to combat climate change and induces corruption;


### 3. calls on all parties to increase protection for whistle-blowers , who play an essential part in putting a stop to the illegal wildlife trade; ### 3. calls on all parties to increase protection for whistle-blowers , journalists and environmental defenders , who play an essential part in putting a stop to the illegal wildlife trade;


### 8. calls on all parties to guarantee sufficient funding for the proper implementation of the entire convention , including its enforcement; calls on the commission and the member states to increase their financial support to the implementation of cites decisions; ### 8. calls on all parties to guarantee sufficient funding for the proper implementation of the entire convention , including its enforcement; calls on the commission and the member states to increase their financial and any other support to the implementation of cites decisions;


### 14. reiterates its call for the eu member states to establish an eu-wide positive list of exotic animals that can be kept as pets without harm to populations in the wild and to european biodiversity; ### 14. reiterates its call for the eu member states to establish a science-based eu-wide positive list of exotic animals that can be kept as pets , under appropriate welfare conditions , without harm to populations in the wild and to european biodiversity; stresses in this regard , the need for a feasibility study for an eu-wide positive list which shall be based , amongst others , on existing experiences of member states and lessons learned;


### 16. welcomes the revision and continuation of the eu action plan against wildlife trafficking; calls on the commission to publish it without delay; ### 16. welcomes the revision and continuation of the eu action plan against wildlife trafficking; calls on the commission to publish it without delay; stresses however , that the success of the future eu action plan against wildlife trafficking will largely depend on this allocation of resources; calls therefore on the eu and member states to identify dedicated budgets for its implementation;


### 17. calls on the commission and member states to tackle both online and offline trade in the revised eu action plan against wildlife trafficking , ensuring that wildlife cybercrime is given the same level of priority as other cybercrimes that threaten human health , the economy , security and education; ### 17. calls on the commission and member states to tackle both online and offline trade in the revised eu action plan against wildlife trafficking , ensuring that wildlife cybercrime is given the same level of priority as other cybercrimes that threaten human health , the economy , security and education; calls on the commission to promptly evaluate how the digital services act could act as a tool to address illegal online trade of animals and plants;


### 18. urges the commission and the member states to promote the development and adoption of an ambitious and robust protocol under the un convention against transnational organized crime , which would include a provision criminalising the import of and trade in wildlife that has been taken illegally from its country of origin; ### 18. urges the commission and the member states to promote the development and adoption of an ambitious and robust protocol on environmental crime under the un convention against transnational organized crime , which would include a provision obliging parties to criminalize the import of and trade in wildlife that has been taken illegally from its country of origin;


### 19. strongly welcomes the proposal for the revision of the environmental crime directive (2008/99/ec) to include most forms of environmental crime offences and additional penalties and sanctions; ### 19. strongly welcomes the proposal for the revision of the environmental crime directive (2008/99/ec) to include most forms of environmental crime offences that shall be punishable by sanctions or penalties , which are effective , proportionate and dissuasive; regrets however that animal welfare considerations are absent from the proposal; calls on the commission to ensure that cruelty against animals is considered as an aggravating circumstance enabling increased penalties under the revised directive;


### 22. calls for the adoption of a new resolution that encourages parties to adopt a one health approach to wildlife use and trade when implementing the convention , and to undertake appropriate risk analyses with respect to animal , human and environmental health; ### 22. calls for the adoption of a new resolution that encourages parties to institutionalise a one health approach to wildlife use and trade when implementing the convention and in their national laws , and to undertake appropriate risk analyses and prevention programmes with respect to animal , human and environmental health; encourages cites to continue to strengthening their active collaboration with other international organisations and conventions involved in zoonotic disease prevention in a one health approach;


### 29. urges all parties to prohibit trade in the five species in the panthera genus (tigers , lions , jaguars , leopards and snow leopards) , which have an unfavourable conservation status varying from ‘near threatened’ to ‘endangered’; ### 29. urges all parties to prohibit trade in the five species in the panthera genus (tigers , lions , jaguars , leopards and snow leopards) , which have an unfavourable conservation status varying from ‘near threatened’ to ‘endangered’; calls , furthermore , on the member states to prohibit captive breeding of these species by private entities , which are not licensed zoos , that can contribute to their illicit trade;


### (6) the proposed concentration limits in annexes iv and v to regulation (eu) 2019/1021 have been set applying the same methodology that was used to establish the concentration limits in previous amendments of annexes iv and v to regulation (ec) no 850/2004. the proposed concentration limits should achieve the objective of a high level of protection of human health and the environment associated to the destruction or irreversible transformation of the substances concerned. those limits should also take into consideration the broader policy objective of achieving a climate-neutral and circular economy , enshrined in the european green deal26 . ### (6) the proposed concentration limits in annexes iv and v to regulation (eu) 2019/1021 have been set applying the same methodology that was used to establish the concentration limits in previous amendments of annexes iv and v to regulation (ec) no 850/2004. the proposed concentration limits should achieve the objective of a high level of protection of human health and the environment associated to the destruction or irreversible transformation of the substances concerned. those limits should also take into consideration the broader policy objective of achieving a climate-neutral and circular economy including the achievement of recycling targets , enshrined in the european green deal26 .


### a. whereas the forestry sector is an essential contributor to achieving the eu target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % by 2030 , while also being a major source of biodiversity and playing an important role in the lives of communities; ### a. whereas the forest land with its respective carbon pools is an essential element in climate change mitigation and adaptation action of the eu , and also contributes to achieving the eu target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % by 2030 , while also being a major source of biodiversity and playing an important role in the lives of communities;


### a. whereas the eu has set the binding target of reaching climate neutrality by 2050; whereas the eu is committed to the un sustainable development goals and the paris agreement; whereas forests and forest-based industries will play a major role in achieving these sdgs and paris agreement targets; ### a. whereas the eu has set the binding target of reaching climate neutrality by 20501a; whereas the eu is committed to the un sustainable development goals and the paris agreement; whereas forests and forest-based industries will play a major role in achieving these sdgs and paris agreement targets;


### 1. recalls the eu’s responsibility in the protection , restoration and resilience of the world’s forests , which should prioritise proforestation in forest management as a strategy for increasing carbon sequestration and biodiversity benefits; ### 1. recalls the eu’s responsibility in the protection , restoration and resilience of the world’s forests , which should prioritise proforestation in forest management as an external dimension strategy for increasing carbon sequestration and biodiversity benefits; insists that forests’ carbon dioxide storage capacities will allow to move towards carbon neutrality; stresses that forests provide a wide range of ecosystemic services beyond carbon sequestration , such as the natural filtration of water;


### 1. welcomes the new eu forest strategy and its ambition to increase the balanced contribution of multi-functional forests to the targets of the green deal and of achieving a circular economy and climate neutrality by 2050; ### 1. welcomes the new eu forest strategy and its ambition to increase the balanced contribution of multi-functional forests to the targets of the green deal and of achieving a circular economy and climate neutrality by 2050; acknowledges that forest-related climate and biodiversity aspects are well reflected in the new eu forest strategy , but the total potential of forests and the forest sector , including the economic and social aspects of sustainability are not presented in a balanced way; stresses the need to correct this balance when setting targets for forests and the forest sector as in addition to climate and biodiversity goals , forests provide economic and social benefits and wide range of services from livelihoods to recreation;


### 1. welcomes the new eu forest strategy and its ambition to increase the balanced contribution of multi-functional forests to the targets of the green deal and of achieving a circular economy and climate neutrality by 2050; ### 1. welcomes the new eu forest strategy and its ambition to increase the balanced contribution of multi-functional forests to the targets of the green deal and of achieving a circular economy and climate neutrality by 2050; highlight the importance of an balanced and solid scientific based strategy and vision for the forest-based sector , considering all three dimensions of sustainability in an integrated and balanced way;


### 1. welcomes the new eu forest strategy and its ambition to increase the balanced contribution of multi-functional forests to the targets of the green deal and of achieving a circular economy and climate neutrality by 2050; ### 1. welcomes the new eu forest strategy and its ambition to increase the balanced contribution of multi-functional forests to the targets of the green deal , particularly the goals of creating green growth and green jobs , and of achieving a circular economy and climate neutrality by 2050;


### 2. recognises the multifunctional role of forests; stresses that policies that enhance biodiversity will help tackle climate change; calls on the eu to address the challenges and trade-offs resulting from the increasing demand for wood for materials , energy and the bioeconomy and the related rising risks of embodied deforestation imports , land grabbing , illegal logging and violation of indigenous peoples’ and local communities’ rights; ### 2. recognises the multifunctional role of forests; stresses that policies that enhance the protection and restoration of biodiversity will help tackle climate change; calls on the eu to strengthen forest resilience by addressing the challenges and trade-offs resulting from the increasing demand for wood for materials , energy and the bioeconomy and the related rising risks of embodied deforestation imports , land grabbing , illegal logging and violation of indigenous peoples’ and local communities’ rights; recalls the negative impacts of global warming on ecosystems and the migration of species due to climate change , which requires specific monitoring and surveillance;


### 2. recognises that the maintenance and protection of healthy and resilient forests is a fundamental goal of all actors in forestry and the forest-based value chain , as well a key priority for people in the eu; ### 2. recognises that the maintenance , protection and sustainable use of healthy and resilient forests is a fundamental goal of all actors in forestry and the forest-based value chain , as well a key priority for people in the eu;


### 3. is concerned by the increasing pressure on the eu’s forests and their habitats and stresses the urgent need to increase forest and ecosystem resilience; ### 3. highlights the continuous growing stock in european forests that differs from the global deforestation trend1a; acknowledges the efforts of all actors across the forest-based value chain that contributed to this development; is concerned by the increasing pressure on the eu’s forests and their habitats , mainly driven by climate change , and stresses the urgent need to increase forest and ecosystem resilience , including by measures for adaptation to climate change , and to reduce pressures where feasible; notes with concern that the vulnerability of europe’s forests to invasive pests and pathogens seems to have increased and that outbreaks are a threat to sequestered carbon1b;


### 4. calls on the union and its member states to exclude burning forest biomass from any renewable energy targets; ### 4. calls on the union and its member states to use forest biomass in a sustainable way in order to contribute to reach renewable energy targets;


### 4. emphasises that the eu’s forests are characterised by diverse natural conditions , ownership patterns , forms of governance , challenges and opportunities , and that they have been formed by centuries of human intervention and management; ### 4. emphasises that the eu’s forests are characterised by diverse natural conditions such as biogeography , size , structure and biodiversity , as well as in ownership patterns , forms of governance , challenges and opportunities , and that they have been formed by centuries of human intervention and management; stresses that in implementation all types of forests and situations require differing approaches in terms of forest management and the delivery of ecosystem services;


### 5. recognises the complexity of assessing the state of forests , as well as the uneven availability and quality of data and therefore stresses the need for continuous policy and scientific dialogue at all levels to improve data collection and harmonisation; ### 5. recognises the complexity of assessing the state of forests , as well as the uneven availability and quality of data and therefore stresses the need for continuous policy and scientific dialogue at all levels to improve data collection and harmonisation where appropriate;


### 6. underlines that the strategy must align with the work undertaken in international forums , such as forest europe and the food and agriculture organization , and should avoid duplicating work; further believes that , given the eu’s strong commitment to promoting the sustainable use of resources globally , the strategy should be implemented in such a way as to serve as a model of best practices; ### 6. underlines that although focussing on forests in the eu , the strategy must align with the work undertaken in international forums , such as forest europe and the food and agriculture organization (fao) , and should avoid duplicating work; further believes that , given the eu’s strong commitment to promoting the sustainable sourcing and use of resources globally , as underlined by the commission’s proposal on a regulation on deforestation-free products , the strategy should be implemented in such a way as to serve as a model of best practices and attracts imitators in other regions;


### 7. calls for the forestry sector to feature prominently in the 30 % spending target on climate of the neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) – global europe , including financial or technical assistance for forest-producer partner countries. ### 7. calls for the forestry sector to feature prominently in the 30 % spending target on climate of the neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) – global europe , including financial or technical assistance for forest-producer partner countries with the aim of achieving and promoting an integrated approach of the sdgs;


### 13. takes note of the commission’s announcement on developing additional voluntary indicators and threshold values for sustainable forest management; underlines the need to align the commission’s work with that of forest europe and the food and agriculture organization , as well as to engage with the member states to ensure that indicators and value ranges are fit-for-purpose for their application at the local level under specific bio-geographic conditions; ### 13. takes note of the commission’s announcement on developing additional voluntary indicators and threshold values for sustainable forest management; underlines the need to align the commission’s work with that of forest europe and the food and agriculture organization (fao) , to avoid duplication of work and increase in administrative burden , as well as to engage with the member states and relevant stakeholders including forest managers to ensure that indicators and value ranges are fit-for-purpose for their application at the local level under specific bio-geographic conditions;


### 13. takes note of the commission’s announcement on developing additional voluntary indicators and threshold values for sustainable forest management; underlines the need to align the commission’s work with that of forest europe and the food and agriculture organization , as well as to engage with the member states to ensure that indicators and value ranges are fit-for-purpose for their application at the local level under specific bio-geographic conditions; ### 13. takes note of the commission’s announcement on developing additional voluntary indicators and threshold values for sustainable forest management which shall remain voluntary for member states to implement at national and regional level; underlines the need to align the commission’s work with that of forest europe and the food and agriculture organization , as well as to engage with the member states to ensure that indicators and value ranges are fit-for-purpose for their application at the local level under specific bio-geographic conditions;


### 14. highlights that pressure on forests from natural disasters and other disturbances is being increasingly intensified by climate change and that strengthening forests’ resilience is a matter of urgency; notes the role that restoration and afforestation can play in strengthening resilience and enhancing biodiversity; notes that sustainable forest management consists of a broad array of actions and adaptive practices , many of which can play a key role in climate mitigation; ### 14. highlights that pressure on forests from natural disasters and other disturbances is being increasingly intensified by climate change and that strengthening forests’ resilience is a matter of urgency and underline that that in order to create more resilient forests , forests needs to be managed by adapting them to a changing climate and emphasis that as forests are biologically very complex , it is not possible to make general claims about , for example , even-aged forests being worse off in relation to climate change than uneven-aged ones; notes the role that restoration and afforestation can play in strengthening resilience and enhancing biodiversity; notes that sustainable forest management consists of a broad array of actions and adaptive practices , many of which can play a key role in climate mitigation; stresses that adaptive forest management is site-specific and acknowledges that varying forest conditions and forest types require different management regimes and that practices should be decided nationally , regionally or locally;


### 14. highlights that pressure on forests from natural disasters and other disturbances is being increasingly intensified by climate change and that strengthening forests’ resilience is a matter of urgency; notes the role that restoration and afforestation can play in strengthening resilience and enhancing biodiversity; notes that sustainable forest management consists of a broad array of actions and adaptive practices , many of which can play a key role in climate mitigation; ### 14. highlights that pressure on forests from natural disasters and other disturbances is being increasingly intensified by climate change and that strengthening forests’ resilience and adaptation is a matter of urgency; notes the role that restoration and afforestation can play in strengthening resilience and enhancing biodiversity; notes that sustainable forest management as a dynamic concept consists of a broad array of actions and adaptive practices , many of which can play a key role in the climate mitigation potential of forests as well as offering measures , such as introducing better adapted species and provenances , strengthening forests’ contributions to the water cycle , sanitary fellings to contain pests , pathogens and invasive species , forest fire prevention and maintenance of protective functions , whilst underpinning their multifaceted nature and other roles;


### 14. highlights that pressure on forests from natural disasters and other disturbances is being increasingly intensified by climate change and that strengthening forests’ resilience is a matter of urgency; notes the role that restoration and afforestation can play in strengthening resilience and enhancing biodiversity; notes that sustainable forest management consists of a broad array of actions and adaptive practices , many of which can play a key role in climate mitigation; ### 14. highlights that pressure on forests from natural disasters and other disturbances is being increasingly intensified by climate change and that strengthening forests’ resilience is a matter of urgency; notes the role that restoration and afforestation can play in strengthening resilience and enhancing biodiversity; notes that sustainable forest management consists of a broad array of actions and adaptive practices , many of which can play a key role in climate mitigation; the member states’ varying forests and climate conditions require differentiated sustainable forest management practices , that should be developed nationally , regionally and locally.


### 14. highlights that pressure on forests from natural disasters and other disturbances is being increasingly intensified by climate change and that strengthening forests’ resilience is a matter of urgency; notes the role that restoration and afforestation can play in strengthening resilience and enhancing biodiversity; notes that sustainable forest management consists of a broad array of actions and adaptive practices , many of which can play a key role in climate mitigation; ### 14. highlights that pressure on forests from diseases and parasites , natural disasters and other disturbances is being increasingly intensified by climate change , particularly in the regions of europe facing the highest average temperature rises , such as the mediterranean , and that strengthening the resilience of the various forest ecosystems is a matter of urgency; notes the role that restoration and afforestation can play in strengthening resilience and enhancing biodiversity; notes that sustainable forest management consists of a broad array of actions and adaptive practices , many of which can play a key role in climate mitigation;


### 15. takes note of the ongoing work on guidance for ‘closer-to-nature’ forestry by the working group on forests and nature; believes that to ensure added value , guidance on this concept should incorporate results-oriented , scientifically and locally proven sustainable forest management practices to give managers the tools to yield connections and cooperation on better integrating biodiversity protection with improved management practices; ### deleted


### 15. takes note of the ongoing work on guidance for ‘closer-to-nature’ forestry by the working group on forests and nature; believes that to ensure added value , guidance on this concept should incorporate results-oriented , scientifically and locally proven sustainable forest management practices to give managers the tools to yield connections and cooperation on better integrating biodiversity protection with improved management practices; ### 15. takes note of the ongoing work on guidance for ‘closer-to-nature’ forestry by the working group on forests and nature; believes that to ensure added value , guidance on this concept should incorporate results-oriented , scientifically and locally proven sustainable forest management practices to give managers the tools to yield connections and cooperation on better integrating biodiversity protection with improved management practices; highlights that forests do have very different characteristics within the union and therefore there is a strong need for different policy and management approaches;


### 15. takes note of the ongoing work on guidance for ‘closer-to-nature’ forestry by the working group on forests and nature; believes that to ensure added value , guidance on this concept should incorporate results-oriented , scientifically and locally proven sustainable forest management practices to give managers the tools to yield connections and cooperation on better integrating biodiversity protection with improved management practices; ### 15. takes note of the ongoing work on guidance for ‘closer-to-nature’ forestry by the working group on forests and nature; believes that to ensure added value , guidance on this concept should incorporate results-oriented , scientifically and locally proven sustainable forest management practices to give managers the tools to yield connections and cooperation on better integrating biodiversity protection with improved management practices that at the same time aim on providing other ecosystem services and products , as demonstrated by the integrate network;


### 15. takes note of the ongoing work on guidance for ‘closer-to-nature’ forestry by the working group on forests and nature; believes that to ensure added value , guidance on this concept should incorporate results-oriented , scientifically and locally proven sustainable forest management practices to give managers the tools to yield connections and cooperation on better integrating biodiversity protection with improved management practices; ### 15. takes note of the ongoing work on voluntary guidance for ‘closer-to-nature’ forestry by the working group on forests and nature; believes that to ensure added value , guidance on this concept should incorporate results-oriented , scientifically and locally proven sustainable forest management practices to give forest owners and managers the tools to yield connections and cooperation on better integrating biodiversity protection with improved management practices;


### 16. reiterates its call for the protection of primary and old-growth forests and stresses the need to create a definition for what constitutes old-growth forests; welcomes the ongoing work of the working group on forests and nature and underlines the need to consider a diverse set of attributes and ensure flexibility to account for specific conditions in bio-geographic regions and forest types; ### 16. reiterates its call for the protection of primary and old-growth forests and stresses the need to create a definition for what constitutes old-growth forests; welcomes the ongoing work of the working group on forests and nature and underlines the need to consider a diverse set of attributes and ensure flexibility to account for specific conditions in bio-geographic regions and forest types; stresses that the definitions must consider the diversity of european forests , owners , management traditions and nature types and our shifting climatic zones , as well as not setting disproportionate burden on management of forests and adjacent forest , e.g. by requiring disproportionally large buffer strips or by forbid certain management measures related to issues such as disaster prevention;


### 16. reiterates its call for the protection of primary and old-growth forests and stresses the need to create a definition for what constitutes old-growth forests; welcomes the ongoing work of the working group on forests and nature and underlines the need to consider a diverse set of attributes and ensure flexibility to account for specific conditions in bio-geographic regions and forest types; ### 16. highlights the importance of primary and old-growth forests and their richness of biodiversity; reiterates its call for the protection of primary and old-growth forests and stresses the need to create a definition for what constitutes old-growth forests; welcomes the ongoing work on this definition of the working group on forests and nature and underlines the need to consider a diverse set of attributes and ensure flexibility to account for specific conditions in bio-geographic regions and forest types and to duly distinguish between old-growth forests and older forest stands managed for long rotation;


### 16. reiterates its call for the protection of primary and old-growth forests and stresses the need to create a definition for what constitutes old-growth forests; welcomes the ongoing work of the working group on forests and nature and underlines the need to consider a diverse set of attributes and ensure flexibility to account for specific conditions in bio-geographic regions and forest types; ### 16. reiterates its call for the protection of primary and old-growth forests; notes the various definitions of primary and old-growth forests available at international level and stresses the need to create a definition for what constitutes primary and old-growth forests; welcomes the ongoing work of the working group on forests and nature and underlines the need to consider a diverse set of attributes and ensure flexibility to account for specific conditions in bio-geographic regions and forest types;


### 16. reiterates its call for the protection of primary and old-growth forests and stresses the need to create a definition for what constitutes old-growth forests; welcomes the ongoing work of the working group on forests and nature and underlines the need to consider a diverse set of attributes and ensure flexibility to account for specific conditions in bio-geographic regions and forest types; ### 16. reiterates its call for the protection of primary and old-growth forests and stresses the need to create a common agreed understanding between member states and all other stakeholders for what constitutes old-growth forests; welcomes the ongoing work of the working group on forests and nature and underlines the need to consider a diverse set of attributes and ensure flexibility to account for specific conditions in bio-geographic regions and forest types;


### 16. reiterates its call for the protection of primary and old-growth forests and stresses the need to create a definition for what constitutes old-growth forests; welcomes the ongoing work of the working group on forests and nature and underlines the need to consider a diverse set of attributes and ensure flexibility to account for specific conditions in bio-geographic regions and forest types; ### 16. reiterates its call for the protection and further research of primary and old-growth forests and stresses that the member states should create a definition for what constitutes old-growth forests; underlines the need to consider a diverse set of attributes and ensure flexibility to account for specific conditions in bio-geographic regions and forest types;


### 17. notes that the european agricultural fund for rural development is the main source of support for forestry measures; further notes that between 2014 and 2020 , member states only spent 49 % of the available funds , and that the commission has identified administrative burden , insufficient attractiveness of the premiums and a lack of advisory services as reasons for this low usage; ### 17. notes that the common agricultural policy (cap) and the european agricultural fund for rural development eafrd are the main source of financial support for forestry measures; further notes that between 2014 and 2020 , member states only spent 49 % of the available funds1a , and that the commission has identified administrative burden , insufficient attractiveness of the premiums and a lack of advisory services as reasons for this low usage1b; welcomes the commission’s target to increase the uptake of available funds and underlines the need to ensure that funding and subsidies do not support operations that undermine the balanced provision of the various ecosystem services;


### 17. notes that the european agricultural fund for rural development is the main source of support for forestry measures; further notes that between 2014 and 2020 , member states only spent 49 % of the available funds , and that the commission has identified administrative burden , insufficient attractiveness of the premiums and a lack of advisory services as reasons for this low usage; ### 17. notes that the european agricultural fund for rural development is the main source of support for forestry measures; further notes that between 2014 and 2020 , member states only spent 49 % of the available funds , and that the commission has identified administrative burden , insufficient attractiveness of the premiums and a lack of advisory services as reasons for this low usage; underlines that support to voluntary nature conservation measurement by forest owners achieves several objectives , such as biodiversity preservation , preservation of the carbon stock and habitat conservation , while being in line with the ownerships right and subsidiarity principle;


### 18. points out that the forestry sector operates primarily as a market-based sector; stresses that putting a stronger emphasis on other ecosystem services should not lead to an increased dependency on subsidies and encourages the commission and member states to further pursue the development of market-based payment for ecosystem services schemes , such as carbon farming; ### 18. points out that the forestry sector operates primarily as a market-based sector; stresses that putting a stronger emphasis on other ecosystem services should not lead to an increased dependency on subsidies and encourages the commission and member states to further pursue the development of market-based payment for ecosystem services schemes , such as carbon farming; highlight in the light of the initiative on carbon farming that active sustainable forest management is the guarantee for both the carbon stock and the forest growth; stresses that carbon forest removals should focus on incentives for forest owners and managers to invest in active forest management , promoting regeneration and increased growth; emphasises that initiatives should be carefully designed in order to not lead to passive forestry as the capacity to remove carbon declines with the ageing of trees and the closing of forest canopies; stresses that carbon removals are not the only way to incentivise forests´ contribution to climate change;


### 18. points out that the forestry sector operates primarily as a market-based sector; stresses that putting a stronger emphasis on other ecosystem services should not lead to an increased dependency on subsidies and encourages the commission and member states to further pursue the development of market-based payment for ecosystem services schemes , such as carbon farming; ### 18. points out that the forestry sector operates primarily as a market-based sector; stresses that putting a stronger emphasis on other ecosystem services should not lead to an increased dependency on subsidies and encourages the commission and member states to further pursue the development of market-based payment for ecosystem services schemes , such as carbon farming and carbon removal certificates , which should incentivise active and sustainable forest management , new innovations and versatile use of wood in products to sequestrate and storage carbon taking into account the potential of side streams; stresses that carbon removal certificates should be based on solid financial framework , accounting rules , market-based design and funding from public and private resources , while cap-funding must mainly remain targeted for food production and ensuring food security in the union;


### 18. points out that the forestry sector operates primarily as a market-based sector; stresses that putting a stronger emphasis on other ecosystem services should not lead to an increased dependency on subsidies and encourages the commission and member states to further pursue the development of market-based payment for ecosystem services schemes , such as carbon farming; ### 18. points out that the forestry sector unlike the agricultural sector operates primarily as a market-based sector and without a distinct dependency on subsidies; stresses that putting a stronger emphasis on other ecosystem services should not lead to an increased dependency on subsidies and encourages the commission and member states to further pursue the development of market-based payment for ecosystem services schemes , such as carbon farming;


### 19. acknowledges the important contribution of existing certification schemes to the further uptake of sustainable forest management; takes note of the commission’s announcement on developing a ‘closer-to-nature’ certification scheme; encourages the commission to cooperate with existing certification schemes and believes that to create added value , the certification must offer foresters a price premium for the provision of ecosystem services; ### deleted


### 19. acknowledges the important contribution of existing certification schemes to the further uptake of sustainable forest management; takes note of the commission’s announcement on developing a ‘closer-to-nature’ certification scheme; encourages the commission to cooperate with existing certification schemes and believes that to create added value , the certification must offer foresters a price premium for the provision of ecosystem services; ### 19. acknowledges the important role and contribution of existing certification schemes to the further uptake of sustainable forest management; takes note of the commission’s announcement on developing a ‘closer-to-nature’ certification scheme; encourages the commission to cooperate with existing and proven certification schemes to explore how this additional voluntary certification could enhance their portfolio and believes that to create added value , the certification must offer forest owners a sufficient price premium for the provision of ecosystem services;


### 19. acknowledges the important contribution of existing certification schemes to the further uptake of sustainable forest management; takes note of the commission’s announcement on developing a ‘closer-to-nature’ certification scheme; encourages the commission to cooperate with existing certification schemes and believes that to create added value , the certification must offer foresters a price premium for the provision of ecosystem services; ### 19. acknowledges the important contribution of existing market-driven certification schemes to the further uptake of sustainable forest management; relies on consumer demand and preferences to shape the development on these schemes also in the future; encourages the commission to cooperate with existing certification schemes and believes that to create added value , the certification must offer foresters a price premium for the provision of ecosystem services;


### 20. highlights that to unlock the full potential of forests to contribute to climate and circular economy targets , further research and development in the field of bio-based alternatives to fossil-based products are required and should be incentivised; underlines that a predictable regulatory environment is a precondition to attracting investments; ### 20. highlights that to unlock the full potential of forests to contribute to climate and circular economy targets of the eu , further research and development and innovation in the fields management practices and of bio-based alternatives to fossil-based products and other products with a large carbon footprint are required and should be incentivised; notes that development cycles in the sector may last 10 years or longer and underlines that a predictable and stable regulatory environment is a precondition to attracting investments; highlights that many innovations in the sector have high added value and provide high quality employment in rural areas as well as in the wood-processing industries and underlines the role of sme in the field;


### 20. highlights that to unlock the full potential of forests to contribute to climate and circular economy targets , further research and development in the field of bio-based alternatives to fossil-based products are required and should be incentivised; underlines that a predictable regulatory environment is a precondition to attracting investments; ### 20. highlights that to unlock the full potential of forests to contribute to climate and circular economy targets , further research and development in the field of bio-based alternatives to fossil-based products are required and should be incentivised; underlines that a predictable regulatory environment is a precondition to attracting investments; encourages to continue supporting innovations related to wood , such as wood-based textiles that have high potential to substitute synthetic textile fibres and cotton.


### 21. believes that to improve the coordinated provision of environmental and economic forest services , relevant eu framework programmes must be better aligned; ### 21. believes that to improve the coordinated provision of environmental and economic forest services , relevant eu programmes , including horizon europe , life , eip-agri , leader and eit , must be better aligned; welcomes the commission proposal to enhance eu cooperation by proposing a research and innovation partnership on forestry and calls on the commission to develop comprehensive forest-focussed programmes including different functions and parts of the forest-sector value chain and including living-labs to test and demonstrate solutions for key challenges , building on existing and proven platforms such as the integrate network , the forest-technology platform and including pan-european and international partners;


### 22. stresses that the implementation of the strategy must focus on enabling small-holders to deliver on the multiple forest functions and calls on the commission and the member states to ensure that support programmes , payment for ecosystem services schemes and research funding are attractive and easily accessible; ### 22. recalls that 60 % of eu forests are privately owned and a significant share of forest owners are small-holders; stresses that in order to achieve the strategy’s goals , the implementation of the strategy must focus on enabling small-holders to deliver on the multiple forest functions and calls on the commission and the member states to ensure that support programmes , payment for ecosystem services schemes and research funding are attractive and easily accessible to small-holders;


### 23. underlines the importance of the forestry sector as a provider of jobs in rural communities and notes with concern the steady decline in employment and the high number of accidents in the sector; calls on the commission and the member states to monitor the effects of measures taken under the strategy on employment and work safety and highlights the importance of making this type of employment attractive , taking measures to increase the safety of work and adequately training workers; ### 23. underlines the importance of the forestry sector and the wood-based industries as a provider of jobs in rural communities as well as in urban areas through downstream uses and notes with concern the steady decline in employment and the high number of accidents in the sector1a; calls on the commission and the member states to monitor the effects of measures taken under the strategy on employment and work safety in the light of changing management practices , considering that discussed options often go hand in hand with higher (physical) labour intensity which also bears more risks for workers , which requires high quality vocational training as well as upskilling and reskilling opportunities; highlights the importance of making this type of employment attractive , taking measures to increase the safety of work and adequately training workers; calls on member states to assess their advisory services in this respect and re-enforce where necessary;