### end - users shall be free to access and distribute information and content , run applications and use services of their choice via their internet access service . ### end - users shall have the right to be free to access and distribute information and content , run applications , connect hardware and use services and software of their choice via their internet access service . internet access providers can thus not block , discriminate against , impair or degrade , including through price surcharge or preferential treatment , the ability of any person to use a service to access , use , send , post , receive or offer any content , application or service of their choice , irrespective of source or target . providers of internet access services shall not make the prices of these services dependent on the content , applications and services that are offered or used via these internet access services .


### ' internet access service ' means a publicly available electronic communications service that provides connectivity to the internet , and thereby connectivity between virtually all end points connected to the internet , irrespective of the network technology used ; ### ' open internet access service ' means a publicly available electronic communications service that provides connectivity to the internet , and thereby connectivity between virtually all end points connected to the internet , irrespective of the network technology used ; the member states shall impose reasonable minimum requirements on the service quality of open internet access services , reflecting technological progress ; an open internet access service enables end - users to use any internet - based application in accordance with the best effort principle ; the only permissible derogation from this principle is proportionate , justified traffic management , in cases where the conditions for its use are clearly defined ;


### end - users shall be free to access and distribute information and content , run applications and use services of their choice via their internet access service . ### end - users shall have the right to access and distribute information and content , run applications , connect hardware and use services of their choice via their internet access service . internet service providers may not as a result block , discriminate against or degrade – including through overcharging or preferential treatment – a person’s ability to use a service , gain access to , use , send , post , receive or give any content , application or service of his choosing , whatever its origin or destination .


### ‘ internet access service’ means a publicly available electronic communications service that provides connectivity to the internet , and thereby connectivity between virtually all end points connected to the internet , irrespective of the network technology used ; ### ‘ internet access service’ means a publicly available electronic communications service that provides connectivity to the internet , and thereby connectivity between virtually all end points connected to the internet ; it enables end - users to send data to and receive data from the entire internet .


### national regulatory authorities shall closely monitor and ensure the effective ability of end - users to benefit from the freedoms provided for in article 23&#160 ; and , compliance with article 23&#160 ; , and the continued availability of non - discriminatory internet access services at levels of quality that reflect advances in technology and that are not impaired by specialised services . they shall , in cooperation with other competent national authorities , also monitor the effects of specialised services on cultural diversity and innovation . national regulatory authorities shall report on an annual basis to the commission and berec on their monitoring and findings . ### national regulatory authorities , in cooperation with the national data protection authority , shall closely monitor and ensure the effective ability of end - users to benefit from the rights and freedoms provided for in article 23&#160 ; and , compliance with article 23&#160 ; , and the continued availability of non - discriminatory internet access services at levels of quality that reflect advances in technology and that are not impaired by specialised services . they shall , in cooperation with other competent national authorities , also monitor the effects of specialised services on cultural diversity and innovation , the economy and society . national regulatory authorities and national data protection authorities shall report on an annual basis to the public , the commission , the european data protection supervisor and berec on their monitoring and findings .


### in an open internet , providers of electronic communications to the public should , within contractually agreed limits on data volumes and speeds for internet access services , not block , slow down , degrade or discriminate against specific content , applications or services or specific classes thereof except for a limited number of reasonable traffic management measures . such measures should be transparent , proportionate and non - discriminatory . reasonable traffic management encompasses prevention or impediment of serious crimes , including voluntary actions of providers to prevent access to and distribution of child pornography . minimising the effects of network congestion should be considered reasonable provided that network congestion occurs only temporarily or in exceptional circumstances . ### in an open internet , providers of electronic communications to the public should not block , slow down , degrade or discriminate against specific content , applications or services or specific classes thereof except for a limited number of reasonable traffic management measures . such measures should be transparent , proportionate and non - discriminatory . reasonable traffic management encompasses minimising the effects of network congestion , provided that network congestion occurs only temporarily or in exceptional circumstances . the use of legislation to influence traffic does not fall with the scope of the definition of traffic management .


### “article 26 single european emergency call number member states shall ensure that , in addition to any other national emergency call numbers specified by the national regulatory authorities , all end - users of publicly available telephone services , including users of public pay telephones , are able to call the emergency services free of charge , by using the single european emergency call number &#8220 ; 112&#8221 ; . 2 . member states , in consultation with national regulatory authorities , emergency services and providers , shall ensure that undertakings providing end - users with an electronic communications service for originating national calls to a number or numbers in a national telephone numbering plan provide access to emergency services . 3 . member states shall ensure that calls to the single european emergency call number “112” are appropriately answered and handled in the manner best suited to the national organisation of emergency systems . such calls shall be answered and handled at least as expeditiously and effectively as calls to the national emergency number or numbers , where these continue to be in use . 4 . member states shall ensure that access for disabled end - users to emergency services is equivalent to that enjoyed by other end - users . measures taken to ensure that disabled end - users are able to access emergency services whilst travelling in other member states shall be based to the greatest extent possible on european standards or specifications published in accordance with the provisions of article 17 of directive 2002 / 21 / ec , and they shall not prevent member states from adopting additional requirements in order to pursue the objectives set out in this article . 5 . member states shall ensure that undertakings concerned make caller location information available free of charge to the authority handling emergency calls as soon as the call reaches that authority . this shall apply to all calls to the single european emergency call number ' 112 ' . member states may extend this obligation to cover calls to national emergency numbers . competent regulatory authorities shall lay down criteria for the accuracy and reliability of the caller location information provided . 6 . member states shall ensure that citizens are adequately informed about the existence and use of the single european emergency call number ' 112 ' , in particular through initiatives specifically targeting persons travelling between member states . 7 . in order to ensure effective access to “112” services in the member states , the commission , having consulted berec , may adopt technical implementing measures . however , these technical implementing measures shall be adopted without prejudice to , and shall have no impact on , the organisation of emergency services , which remains of the exclusive competence of member states . those measures , designed to amend non - essential elements of this directive by supplementing it , shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in article 37 . ' ### article 26 is modified as follows : ' article 26 single european emergency call number member states shall ensure that all end - users of the service referred to in paragraph&#160 ; 2 , including users of public pay telephones and of private telecommunications networks , are able to call the emergency services free of charge and without having to use any means of payment , by using the single european emergency call number ' 112 ' and any national emergency call number specified by member&#160 ; states . 2 . member states , in consultation with national regulatory authorities , emergency services and providers , shall ensure that undertakings providing end - users with an electronic communications service for originating national calls to a number or numbers in a national telephone numbering plan provide access to emergency services . end - users must also be able to reach “112” directly when calling from a private telecommunications network . 3 . member states shall ensure that calls to the single european emergency call number ”112” are appropriately answered and handled in the manner best suited to the national organisation of emergency systems . such calls shall be answered and handled at least as expeditiously and effectively as calls to the national emergency number or numbers , where these continue to be in use . the commission , having consulted the national regulatory authorities and emergency services , must define the compulsory performance indicators applicable to the member states . 4 . member states shall ensure that access for disabled end - users to emergency services is equivalent to that enjoyed by other end - users . measures taken to ensure that disabled end - users are able to access emergency services whilst travelling in other member states shall be based to the greatest extent possible on european standards or specifications published in accordance with the provisions of article 17 of directive 2002 / 21 / ec , and they shall not prevent member states from adopting additional requirements in order to pursue the objectives set out in this article . 5 . member states shall ensure that undertakings concerned make caller location information available free of charge to the authority handling emergency calls as soon as the call reaches that authority . this shall apply to all calls to the single european emergency call number ' 112 ' , including calls from private telecommunications networks and roaming calls . member states may extend this obligation to cover calls to national emergency numbers . by * ) at the latest , berec , having consulted the stakeholders and in close collaboration with the commission , shall set the obligatory criteria for the accuracy and reliability of the caller location information to be provided to the emergency services . the member states must be in compliance with these criteria no later than one year after their publication . the commission must also guarantee by ** ) that the levels of accuracy and reliability of caller location information for a call made to “112” from a gnss - enabled mobile terminal are equivalent to the levels for an ecall call . 6 . member states and the commission shall ensure that citizens are adequately informed about the existence and use of the single european emergency call number “112” , in particular through initiatives specifically targeting persons travelling between member states . the commission shall support and supplement the actions of the member states . 7 . in order to ensure effective access to “112” services in the member states , the commission , having consulted berec , shall adopt technical implementing measures . these measures must , inter alia , enable the deployment of an interoperable , next generation 112 service , including multimedia applications , no later than *** . however , these technical implementing measures shall be adopted without prejudice to , and shall have no impact on , the organisation of emergency services , which remains of the exclusive competence of member states . 7 a . the commission shall maintain a database of e . 164 european emergency service numbers in order to ensure that they can be contacted in one member state from another . __________________ * regulation no xxx / 20xx of the european parliament and of the commission of … laying down measures concerning the european single market for electronic communications and to achieve a connected continent , and amending directives 2002 / 20 / ec , 2002 / 21 / ec and 2002 / 22 / ce and regulations no 1211 : / 2009 and no 531 / 2012 . ** regulation no xxx / 20xx of the european parliament and of the commission of … laying down measures concerning the european single market for electronic communications and to achieve a connected continent , and amending directives 2002 / 20 / ec , 2002 / 21 / ec and 2002 / 22 / ce and regulations no 1211 : / 2009 and no 531 / 2012 . *** regulation no xxx / 20xx of the european parliament and of the commission of … laying down measures concerning the european single market for electronic communications and to achieve a connected continent , and amending directives 2002 / 20 / ec , 2002 / 21 / ec and 2002 / 22 / ce and regulations no 1211 : / 2009 and no 531 / 2012 . ”


### member states shall ensure that , when subscribing to services providing connection to a public communications network and / or publicly available electronic communications services , consumers , and other end - users so requesting , have a right to a contract with an undertaking or undertakings providing such connection and / or services . the contract shall specify in a clear , comprehensive and easily accessible form at least : the identity and address of the undertaking ; the services provided , including in particular , — whether or not access to emergency services and caller location information is being provided , and any limitations on the provision of emergency services under article 26 , — information on any other conditions limiting access to and / or use of services and applications , where such conditions are permitted under national law in accordance with community law , — the minimum service quality levels offered , namely the time for the initial connection and , where appropriate , other quality of service parameters , as defined by the national regulatory authorities , — information on any procedures put in place by the undertaking to measure and shape traffic so as to avoid filling or overfilling a network link , and information on how those procedures could impact on service quality , — the types of maintenance service offered and customer support services provided , as well as the means of contacting these services , — any restrictions imposed by the provider on the use of terminal equipment supplied ; where an obligation exists under article 25 , the subscriber ' s options as to whether or not to include his or her personal data in a directory , and the data concerned ; details of prices and tariffs , the means by which up - to - date information on all applicable tariffs and maintenance charges may be obtained , payment methods offered and any differences in costs due to payment method ; the duration of the contract and the conditions for renewal and termination of services and of the contract , including : — any minimum usage or duration required to benefit from promotional terms , — any charges related to portability of numbers and other identifiers , — any charges due on termination of the contract , including any cost recovery with respect to terminal equipment , any compensation and the refund arrangements which apply if contracted service quality levels are not met ; the means of initiating procedures for the settlement of disputes in accordance with article 34 ; the type of action that might be taken by the undertaking in reaction to security or integrity incidents or threats and vulnerabilities . member states may also require that the contract include any information which may be provided by the relevant public authorities for this purpose on the use of electronic communications networks and services to engage in unlawful activities or to disseminate harmful content , and on the means of protection against risks to personal security , privacy and personal data , referred to in article 21 and relevant to the service provided . ### article 20 is replaced by the following : ‘ 1 . member states shall ensure that , when subscribing to services providing connection to a public communications network and / or publicly available electronic communications services , consumers , and other end - users so requesting , have a right to a contract with an undertaking or undertakings providing such connection and / or services . the contract shall specify at least the following information . the identity , address and contact information of the undertaking and , if different , the address and contact information for any complaints ; the main characteristics of the services provided , including in particular , — the specific tariff plan or tariff plans to which the contract applies and , for each such tariff plan , the types of services offered , including the volumes of communications ; — whether and in which member state access to emergency services and caller location information is being provided , and any limitations on the provision of emergency services under article 26 , — the minimum service quality levels offered , namely the time for the initial connection and , where appropriate , other quality of service parameters , as defined by the national regulatory authorities , — the types of after - sales services , maintenance service and customer support services provided , the conditions and charges for these services , and the means of contacting these services , — any restrictions imposed by the provider on the use of terminal equipment supplied , including information on unlocking the terminal equipment and any charges involved if the contract is terminated before the end of the minimum contract period ; where an obligation exists under article 25 , the subscriber ' s options as to whether or not to include his or her personal data in a directory , and the data concerned ; details of prices and tariffs including taxes and additional charges that may possibly be levied , the means by which up - to - date information on all applicable tariffs and maintenance charges may be obtained ; payment methods offered and any differences in costs due to payment method , and available facilities to safeguard bill transparency and monitor the level of consumption ; the duration of the contract and the conditions for renewal and termination of services and of the contract , including : — any minimum usage or duration required to benefit from promotional terms , — any charges related to switching and portability of numbers and other identifiers , including compensation arrangements for delay or abuse of switching ; — any charges due on early termination of the contract , including any cost recovery with respect to terminal equipment and other promotional advantages , any compensation and the refund arrangements , including , where applicable , an explicit reference to statutory rights of the consumer which apply if contracted service quality levels are not met ; the means of initiating procedures for the settlement of disputes , including cross - border disputes , in accordance with article 34 ; details on how disabled end - users can obtain information on products and services designed for them ; the type of action that might be taken by the undertaking in reaction to security or integrity incidents or threats and vulnerabilities . member states may also require that the contract include any information which may be provided by the relevant public authorities for this purpose on the use of electronic communications networks and services to engage in unlawful activities or to disseminate harmful content , and on the means of protection against risks to personal security , privacy and personal data , referred to in article 21 and relevant to the service provided . ’


### reasonable traffic management shall only entail processing of data that is necessary and proportionate to achieve the purposes set out in this paragraph . ### reasonable traffic management shall only entail processing of data from the ip header that is necessary and proportionate to achieve the purposes set out in this paragraph .


### end - users shall be free to access and distribute information and content , run applications and use services of their choice via their internet access service . ### open internet access shall be fully guaranteed in accordance with article 2 , so as to enable end - users to access and distribute any information and content they choose , run applications and use services and terminal devices of their choice via their open internet access service , irrespective of the source or destination of such information , content , applications or services . access network operators shall be subject to a general forwarding obligation in accordance with the best effort principle .


### ' 1 . member states shall ensure that , when subscribing to services providing connection to a public communications network and / or publicly available electronic communications services , consumers , and other end - users so requesting , have a right to a contract with an undertaking or undertakings providing such connection and / or services . the contract shall specify in a clear , comprehensive and easily accessible form at least : the identity and address of the undertaking ; the services provided , including in particular , whether or not access to emergency services and caller location information is being provided , and any limitations on the provision of emergency services under article 26 , information on any other conditions limiting access to and / or use of services and applications , where such conditions are permitted under national law in accordance with community law , — the minimum service quality levels offered , namely the time for the initial connection and , where appropriate , other quality of service parameters , as defined by the national regulatory authorities , — information on any procedures put in place by the undertaking to measure and shape traffic so as to avoid filling or overfilling a network link , and information on how those procedures could impact on service quality , — the types of maintenance service offered and customer support services provided , as well as the means of contacting these services , — any restrictions imposed by the provider on the use of terminal equipment supplied ; where an obligation exists under article 25 , the subscriber’s options as to whether or not to include his or her personal data in a directory , and the data concerned ; details of prices and tariffs , the means by which up - to - date information on all applicable tariffs and maintenance charges may be obtained , payment methods offered and any differences in costs due to payment method ; the duration of the contract and the conditions for renewal and termination of services and of the contract , including : any minimum usage or duration required to benefit from promotional terms ; — any charges related to portability of numbers and other identifiers , — any charges due on termination of the contract , including any cost recovery with respect to terminal equipment , any compensation and the refund arrangements which apply if contracted service quality levels are not met ; the means of initiating procedures for the settlement of disputes in accordance with article 34 ; the type of action that might be taken by the provider in reaction to security or integrity incidents or threats and vulnerabilities . member states may also require that the contract include any information which may be provided by the relevant public authorities for this purpose on the use of electronic communications networks and services to engage in unlawful activities or to disseminate harmful content , and on the means of protection against risks to personal security , privacy and personal data , referred to in article 21 and relevant to the service provided . ' ### article 20c is amended as follows : ' 1 . member states shall ensure that , when subscribing to services providing connection to a public communications network and / or publicly available electronic communications services , consumers , and other end - users so requesting , have a right to a contract with an undertaking or undertakings providing such connection and / or services . the contract shall specify in a clear , comprehensive and easily accessible form at least : the identity , address and contact information of the undertaking and , if different , the address and contact information for any complaints ; the main characteristics of the services provided , in particular : – the specific tariff plan or tariff plans to which the contract applies and , for each such tariff plan , the types of services offered , including the volumes of communications ; – in the case of tariff plans with a pre - set volume of communications , the possibility for consumers to defer any unused volume from the preceding billing period ; – access to emergency services and caller location information for all relevant services offered , any limitations on the provision of emergency services under article 26 , and any changes thereto ; – the minimum service quality levels offered , namely the time for the initial connection and , where appropriate , other quality of service parameters , as defined by the national regulatory authorities ; – the types of after - sales services , maintenance service and customer support services provided , the conditions and charges for these services , as well as the means of contacting these services ; any restrictions imposed by the provider on the use of terminal equipment supplied , including information on unlocking the terminal equipment and any charges involved if the contract is terminated before the end of the minimum contract period ; – on demand , free of charge , and provided that no technical incompatibility has been identified , the technical information necessary for the end - user to ensure the proper functioning of his or her chosen terminal equipment for all the services foreseen in his or her contract ; where an obligation exists under article 25 , the subscriber’s options as to whether or not to include his or her personal data in a directory , and the data concerned ; details of prices and tariffs , including taxes and additional charges that may possibly be levied , the means by which up - to - date information on all applicable tariffs and maintenance charges may be obtained ; payment methods offered and any differences in costs due to payment method , and available facilities to safeguard bill transparency and monitor the level of consumption ; the duration of the contract and the conditions for renewal and termination of services and of the contract , including : – any minimum usage or duration required to benefit from promotional terms ; – any charges related to switching and portability of numbers and other identifiers , including compensation arrangements for delay or abuse of switching ; – any charges due on early termination of the contract , including any cost recovery with respect to terminal equipment and other promotional advantages ; any compensation and the refund arrangements , including , where applicable , an explicit reference to statutory rights of the consumer which apply if contracted service quality levels are not met ; the means of initiating procedures for the settlement of disputes , including cross - border disputes , in accordance with article 34 ; details on how disabled end - users can obtain information on products and services designed for them ; the type of action that might be taken by the provider in reaction to security or integrity incidents or threats and vulnerabilities . member states may also require that the contract include any information which may be provided by the relevant public authorities for this purpose on the use of electronic communications networks and services to engage in unlawful activities or to disseminate harmful content , and on the means of protection against risks to personal security , privacy and personal data , referred to in article 21 and relevant to the service provided . '


### reasonable traffic management shall only entail processing of data that is necessary and proportionate to achieve the purposes set out in this paragraph . ### reasonable network management shall only entail processing of data that is necessary and proportionate to achieve the purposes set out in this paragraph .


### articles 20 , 21 , 22 and 30 are deleted . ### article 22 is deleted .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that additional leave is granted in the case of premature childbirth , children hospitalised at birth , children with disabilities and multiple births . the duration of the additional leave should be proportionate and allow the special needs of the mother and the child / children to be accommodated . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that fully paid additional maternity leave is granted in specific situations such as in the case of premature childbirth , stillbirth , caesarean section , children hospitalised at birth , children with disabilities , mothers with disabilities , teenage mothers , multiple births or births occurring within 18 months of the previous birth . the duration of the additional maternity leave after confinement should be proportionate and allow the special needs of the mother and the child / children to be accommodated .


### the allowance referred to in point 2 shall be deemed adequate if it guarantees income equivalent to the last monthly salary or an average monthly salary , subject to any ceiling laid down under national legislation . such a ceiling may not be lower than the allowance received by workers within the meaning of article 2 in the event of a break in activity on grounds connected with the worker ' s state of health . the member states may lay down the period over which this average monthly salary is calculated . ### the allowance referred to in point 2 shall be adequate if it guarantees income equivalent to the last monthly salary or an average monthly salary . workers on maternity leave shall be paid their full salary and the allowance shall be 100% of the last monthly salary or the average monthly salary . member states may lay down the period over which this average monthly salary is calculated .


### member states and national equality bodies shall communicate to the commission , by [ five years after adoption ] at the latest and every five years thereafter , all the information necessary for the commission to draw up a report to the european parliament and the council on the application of directive 92 / 85 / eec as amended by this directive . ### member states and national equality bodies shall communicate to the commission , by [ five years after adoption ] at the latest and every three years thereafter , all the information necessary for the commission to draw up a report to the european parliament and the council on the application of directive 92 / 85 / eec as amended by this directive .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers within the meaning of article 2 are entitled to a continuous period of maternity leave of at least 18 weeks allocated before and / or after confinement . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers within the meaning of article 2 are entitled to a continuous period of maternity leave of at least 20 weeks allocated before and / or after confinement .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that additional leave is granted in the case of premature childbirth , children hospitalised at birth , children with disabilities and multiple births . the duration of the additional leave should be proportionate and allow the special needs of the mother and the child / children to be accommodated . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that fully paid additional maternity leave is granted in specific situations justified on medical grounds , such as in the case of premature childbirth , children with disabilities , mothers with disabilities , teenage mothers , multiple births or births occurring within 18 months of the previous birth . the duration of the additional maternity leave after confinement should be proportionate and allow the special needs of the mother and the child / children to be accommodated . where national legislation and / or practice provide for maternity leave or parental leave in excess of 20 weeks this can be counted towards any additional periods of maternity leave provided for under paragraphs 3 and 4 .


### equality between men and women is a fundamental principle of the european union . articles 21 and 23 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union prohibit any discrimination on grounds of sex and require equality between men and women to be ensured in all areas . ### equality between men and women is a fundamental principle of the european union . articles 21 and 23 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union prohibit any discrimination on grounds of sex and require equality between men and women to be ensured in all areas , including in the achievement of a work - life balance .


### the member states shall take the necessary measures to prohibit the dismissal and all preparations for a dismissal of workers within the meaning of article 2 during the period from the beginning of their pregnancy to the end of the maternity leave provided for in article 8 , save in exceptional cases not connected with their condition which are permitted under national legislation and / or practice and , where applicable , provided that the competent authority has given its consent . ### the member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that employers cannot , for reasons of their own convenience , interrupt maternity or paternity leave or leave to care for a child , and to prohibit the dismissal and all preparations for a dismissal of workers within the meaning of article 2 during the period from the beginning of their pregnancy to at least six months following the end of the maternity leave provided for in article 8 . dismissal during that period shall be presumed to have arisen on grounds of discrimination and shall be duly specified in writing , save in exceptional cases not connected with their condition , which are permitted under national legislation and / or practice and , where applicable , provided that the competent authority has given its consent .


### the right of workers within the meaning of article 2 to return to their jobs or to equivalent posts on terms and conditions that are no less favourable to them and to benefit from any improvement in working conditions to which they would have been entitled during their absence ; ### the right of workers within the meaning of article 2 to return to their jobs or to equivalent posts on terms and conditions that are no less favourable to them , with the same pay , professional category and duties as they enjoyed prior to the period of maternity leave , and to benefit from any improvement in working conditions to which they would have been entitled during their absence ; and in exceptional situations relating to the restructuring or substantial reorganisation of the production process , that the worker can discuss with her employer the impact of such changes on her work situation and , indirectly , her personal situation ;


### member states shall ensure that the body or bodies designated under article 20 of directive 2002 / 73 / ec as recast by directive 2006 / 54 / ec for the promotion , analysis , monitoring and support of equal treatment of all persons without discrimination on grounds of sex shall be competent in addition for issues falling within the scope of this directive , where these issues pertain primarily to equal treatment and not to the worker ' s health and safety . ### member states shall ensure that the body or bodies designated under article 20 of directive 2002 / 73 / ec as recast by directive 2006 / 54 / ec for the promotion , analysis , monitoring and support of equal treatment of all persons without discrimination on grounds of sex shall be competent in addition for issues falling within the scope of this directive , where these issues pertain primarily to equal treatment and not solely to the worker ' s health and safety .


### the commission’s report shall take account , as appropriate , of the viewpoints of the social partners and relevant non - governmental organisations . in accordance with the principle of gender mainstreaming , the report shall inter alia provide an assessment of the impact on women and men of the measures taken . in the light of the information received , the report shall , where necessary , include proposals to revise and update directive 92 / 85 / eec as amended by this directive . ### the commission’s report shall take account , as appropriate , of the viewpoints of the social partners and relevant non - governmental organisations . in accordance with the principle of gender mainstreaming , the report shall inter alia provide an assessment of the impact on women and men of the measures taken . it shall also include an impact study analysing the social and economic effects , in the eu as a whole , of a further increase in the duration of maternity leave and of the implementation of paternity leave . in the light of the information received , the report shall , where necessary , include proposals to revise and update directive 92 / 85 / eec as amended by this directive .


### the member states shall take the necessary measures to prohibit the dismissal and all preparations for a dismissal of workers within the meaning of article 2 during the period from the beginning of their pregnancy to the end of the maternity leave provided for in article 8 , save in exceptional cases not connected with their condition which are permitted under national legislation and / or practice and , where applicable , provided that the competent authority has given its consent . ### the member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that employers cannot , for reasons of their own convenience , interrupt maternity leave to care for a child , and to prohibit the dismissal and all preparations for a dismissal of workers within the meaning of article 2 during the period from the beginning of their pregnancy to at least six months following the end of the maternity leave provided for in article 8 . dismissal during that period shall be formally justified and shall be duly specified in writing , save in exceptional cases not connected with their condition , which are permitted under national legislation and / or practice and , where applicable , provided that the competent authority has given its consent .


### the vulnerability of pregnant workers and of workers who have recently given birth or who are breastfeeding makes it necessary for them to be granted the right to maternity leave of at least 18 continuous weeks , allocated before and / or after confinement , and renders necessary the compulsory nature of maternity leave of at least six weeks allocated after confinement . ### the vulnerability of pregnant workers and of workers who have recently given birth or who are breastfeeding makes it necessary for them to be granted the right to maternity leave of at least 20 continuous weeks , allocated before and / or after confinement , and renders necessary the compulsory nature of maternity leave of at least six weeks allocated after confinement .


### member states shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to breaches of national provisions adopted pursuant to this directive , and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are applied . penalties may comprise payment of compensation , which may not be limited by the fixing of a prior upper limit , and must be effective , proportionate and dissuasive . ### member states shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to breaches of national provisions adopted pursuant to this directive , and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are applied .


### the allowance referred to in point 2 shall be deemed adequate if it guarantees income equivalent to the last monthly salary or an average monthly salary , subject to any ceiling laid down under national legislation . such a ceiling may not be lower than the allowance received by workers within the meaning of article 2 in the event of a break in activity on grounds connected with the worker ' s state of health . the member states may lay down the period over which this average monthly salary is calculated . ### the allowance referred to in point 2 shall be deemed equivalent if it guarantees income equivalent to the last monthly salary or an average monthly salary . when making the calculation , any salary increases resulting from legislation or contractual provisions must be included . the allowance must be 100% of the last monthly salary or the average monthly salary during the compulsory period of leave and must not be lower than 85% of the last monthly salary or the average monthly salary during the remaining period of leave of the worker concerned . the member states may lay down the period over which this average monthly salary is calculated .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers within the meaning of article 2 are entitled to a continuous period of maternity leave of at least 18 weeks allocated before and / or after confinement . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers within the meaning of article 2 are entitled to a continuous period of maternity leave of at least 20 weeks allocated before and / or after confinement . the following rules shall be taken into account when calculating these 20 weeks : - with respect to the last 6 weeks of the period referred to in paragraph 1 , an existing scheme of family - related leave available at national level may be considered to be maternity leave for the purposes of this directive , on condition that it provides overall protection to workers within the meaning of article 2 of this directive that is adequate as regards the level set out in this directive . in this case , the total period of leave granted must exceed the period of parental leave provided for in directive 96 / 34 / ec . - the pay for the last 6 weeks of leave may not be lower than the allowance referred to in article 11 or , alternatively , the pay over the whole period of maternity leave may in average be equivalent to the pay calculated for the first 14 weeks of the leave , if the monthly pay calculated for these 14 weeks is equivalent to the salary of the last month or of the average of the monthly salary ; - where a member state has made provisions for a period of maternity leave of at least 18 weeks fully paid , that member state may decide that the last 2 weeks are met through paternity leave available at national level , with the same level of pay .


### the maternity leave stipulated in paragraph 1 shall include compulsory leave of at least six weeks after childbirth . the member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers within the meaning of article 2 are entitled to choose freely the time at which the non - compulsory portion of the maternity leave is taken , before or after childbirth . ### the maternity leave stipulated in paragraph 1 shall include compulsory fully paid maternity leave of at least six weeks after childbirth . member states may extend the compulsory period of maternity leave to a maximum of six weeks before confinement . the member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers within the meaning of article 2 are entitled to choose freely the time at which the non - compulsory portion of the maternity leave is taken , before or after childbirth . the six week period of compulsory maternity leave shall apply to all working women regardless of the number of days worked prior to confinement .


### the maternity leave stipulated in paragraph 1 shall include compulsory leave of at least six weeks after childbirth . the member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers within the meaning of article 2 are entitled to choose freely the time at which the non - compulsory portion of the maternity leave is taken , before or after childbirth . ### the maternity leave stipulated in paragraph 1 shall include compulsory fully paid maternity leave of at least six weeks after childbirth , without prejudice to existing national laws which provide for a period of compulsory maternity leave before childbirth . the member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers within the meaning of article 2 are entitled to choose freely the time at which the non - compulsory portion of the maternity leave is taken , before or after childbirth . the six week period of compulsory maternity leave shall apply to all working women regardless of the number of days worked prior to confinement .


### full account shall also be taken of relevant aspects of the research and innovation agendas established by european technology platforms , joint programming initiatives and european innovation partnerships . ### full account shall also be taken of relevant aspects of the research and innovation agendas established by european technology platforms , joint programming initiatives , european innovation partnerships and european international research organisations .


### the eit , via its kics , operates in line with business logic . strong leadership is a pre - requisite : each kic is driven by a ceo . kic partners are represented by single legal entities to allow more streamlined decision - making . kics must produce annual business plans , including an ambitious portfolio of activities from education to business creation , with clear targets and deliverables , looking for both market and societal impact . the current rules concerning participation , evaluation and monitoring of kics allow fast - track , business - like decisions . ### the eit , via its kics , operates in line with business logic . strong leadership is a pre - requisite : each kic is driven by a ceo . kic partners are represented by single legal entities to allow more streamlined decision - making . kics must produce annual business plans , including an ambitious portfolio of activities from education to business creation , with clear targets and deliverables , looking for both market and societal impact . the current rules concerning participation , evaluation and monitoring of kics allow fast - track , business - like decisions . the kics , however , being also funded by public sources , need to remain accountable and to function in an open and transparent way , in particular towards other actors in their area of activity .


### addressing the availability of raw materials calls for co - ordinated research and innovation efforts across many disciplines and sectors to help provide safe , economically feasible , environmentally sound and socially acceptable solutions along the entire value chain . innovation in these fields will provide opportunities for growth and jobs , as well as innovative options involving science , technology , the economy , policy and governance . for this reason , a european innovation partnership on raw materials is being prepared . ### addressing the availability of raw materials calls for co - ordinated research and innovation efforts across many disciplines and sectors to help provide safe , economically feasible , environmentally sound and socially acceptable solutions along the entire value chain . water challenges include water use in rural , urban and industrial environments and the protection of aquatic ecosystems . innovation in these fields will provide opportunities for growth and jobs , as well as innovative options involving science , technology , the economy , policy and governance . for this reason , european innovation partnerships on water efficiency and raw materials are being prepared .


### disease and disability are not stopped by national borders . an appropriate european level research and innovation response can and should make a crucial contribution to addressing these challenges , deliver better health and wellbeing for all , and position europe as a leader in the rapidly expanding global markets for health and wellbeing innovations . ### disease and disability are not stopped by national borders . an appropriate european - level research and innovation response in partnership with third countries can and should make a crucial contribution to addressing these global challenges , thus helping to a achieve the millennium development goals and to deliver better health and well - being for all and to position europe as a leader in the rapidly expanding global markets for health and well - being innovations .


### disease and disability are not stopped by national borders . an appropriate european level research and innovation response can and should make a crucial contribution to addressing these challenges , deliver better health and wellbeing for all , and position europe as a leader in the rapidly expanding global markets for health and wellbeing innovations . ### disease and disability are not stopped by national borders . an appropriate european level research and innovation response in partnership with third countries can and should make a crucial contribution to addressing these global challenges , thereby working to achieve the millennium development goals , deliver better health and wellbeing for all , and position europe as a leader in the rapidly expanding global markets for health and wellbeing innovations .


### research infrastructure shall develop european research infrastructure for 2020 and beyond , foster their innovation potential and human capital , and complement this with the related union policy and international cooperation . ### research infrastructures shall develop and support excellent existing and new european research infrastructures and assist them to operate for the era by fostering their innovation potential , attracting world level researchers , training human capital , and complementing this with the international cooperation union policy


### particular attention shall be paid to joint programming initiatives between member states . ### particular attention shall be paid to joint programming initiatives between member states , and these initiatives may include regions and cities where relevant . the financial contribution of the union shall be of a limited nature and shall always be conditional to the demonstration of transparency , large participation of member states , the existence of a union added value and the additionality of the resources . top - up funding will be restricted to initiatives permanently open to participation from all member states .


### social sciences and humanities shall be an integral part of the activities to address all the challenges . in addition , the underpinning development of these disciplines shall be supported under the specific objective ‘ inclusive , innovative and secure societies’ . support will also focus on providing a strong evidence base for policy making at international , union , national and regional levels . given the global nature of many of the challenges , strategic cooperation with third countries shall be an integral part of each challenge . in addition , cross - cutting support for international cooperation shall be provided under the specific objective ‘ inclusive , innovative and secure societies’ . ### social sciences and humanities shall be an integral part of the activities to address all the challenges . in addition , the underpinning development of these disciplines shall be supported under the specific objective ‘ equal , inclusive , innovative and secure societies ' . likewise , a focus on gender and gender equality will be integrated in all challenges . ‘ support will also focus on providing a strong evidence base for policy making at international , union , national and regional levels . given the global nature of many of the challenges , strategic cooperation with third countries shall be an integral part of each challenge . in addition , cross - cutting support for international cooperation shall be provided under the specific objective ' equal , inclusive , innovative and secure societies ' .


### targeted actions with the objective of promoting cooperation with specific third countries or groups of third countries shall be implemented on the basis of common interest and mutual benefit , taking into account their scientific and technological capabilities and market opportunities , and the expected impact . ### targeted actions with the objective of promoting cooperation with specific third countries or groups of third countries shall be implemented on the basis of common interest and mutual benefit . these actions shall include , in particular , research capacity building in developing countries and cooperation projects focusing on these countries’ specific needs in areas such as health – including research on neglected diseases – as well as agriculture , fisheries and the environment , and implemented in financial conditions adapted to their capacities .


### this aims at developing advanced space technologies and operational concepts from idea to demonstration in space , including navigation and remote sensing , as well as the protection of space assets from threats such as debris and solar flares . to develop and apply advanced space technologies requires the continuous education and training of highly skilled engineers and scientists . ### this aims at developing advanced and enabling space technologies and operational concepts from idea to demonstration in space . this includes technologies for the protection of space assets from threats such as debris and solar flares as well as for satellite telecommunications , navigation and remote sensing missions . to develop and apply advanced space technologies requires the continuous education and training of highly skilled engineers and scientists as well as strong links between those and users of space applications .


### promoting sustainable industrial growth by facilitating a strategic shift in europe from cost - based manufacturing to an approach based on the creation of high added value . ### promoting sustainable industrial growth by facilitating a strategic shift in europe from cost - based manufacturing to an approach based on the creation of high added value through making use of technologies developed in other sectors .


### build resilient and inclusive societies in europe ; ### practices and policies to build resilient and inclusive societies in europe , by strengthening the knowledge base in the areas such as inequalities , demographic and family change , mobility , education and social policies as well as citizenship ;


### inclusive , innovative and secure societies . ### inclusive , educated , innovative and secure societies .


### europe is confronted with major socio - economic challenges which significantly affect its future - such as growing economic and cultural interdependencies , ageing , social exclusion and poverty , inequalities and migration flows , closing the digital divide , fostering a culture of innovation and creativity in society and enterprises , as well ensuring security and freedom , trust in democratic institutions and between citizens within and across borders . these challenges are enormous and they call for a common european approach . ### europe is confronted with major socio - economic challenges which significantly affect its future , such as growing economic and cultural interdependencies , ageing and demographic change , social exclusion and poverty , inequalities and migration flows , closing the digital divide , fostering a culture of innovation and creativity in society and enterprises , as well as ensuring trust in democratic institutions and between citizens within and across borders . moreover the role of public social policies in europe is increasingly perceived as a critical element for the sustainability of the european social model itself . these challenges are enormous and they call for an increasingly complex mix of diverse as well as common european approaches , based upon shared scientific knowledge that only the social sciences and humanities can provide .


### europe is facing a number of structural weaknesses when it comes to innovation capacity and the ability to deliver new services , products and processes . among the main issues at hand are europe ' s relatively poor record in talent attraction and retention ; the underutilisation of existing research strengths in terms of creating economic or social value ; low levels of entrepreneurial activity ; a scale of resources in poles of excellence which is insufficient to compete globally ; and an excessive number of barriers to collaboration within the knowledge triangle of higher education , research and business on a european level . ### europe is facing a number of structural weaknesses when it comes to innovation capacity and the ability to deliver new services , products and processes . among the main issues at hand are europe ' s relatively poor record in talent attraction and retention ; the underutilisation of existing research strengths in terms of creating economic or social value ; the lack of research results brought to the market ; low levels of entrepreneurial activity and mindset ; low leverage of private investment in r&d , a scale of resources , including human resources , in poles of excellence which is insufficient to compete globally ; and an excessive number of barriers to collaboration within the knowledge triangle of higher education , research and business on a european level .


### the eit will address these issues by promoting structural changes in the european innovation landscape . it will do so by fostering the integration of higher education , research and innovation of the highest standards , thereby creating new environments conducive to innovation , and by promoting and supporting a new generation of entrepreneurial people . in doing so , the eit will contribute fully to the objectives of europe 2020 and notably the innovation union and youth on the move flagship initiatives . ### the eit will address these issues by promoting structural changes in the european innovation landscape . it will do so by fostering the integration of higher education , research and innovation of the highest standards , thereby creating new environments conducive to innovation , and by promoting and supporting a new generation of entrepreneurial people and by stimulating the creation of innovative start - ups . in doing so , the eit will contribute fully to the objectives of europe 2020 and notably the innovation union and youth on the move flagship initiatives . in particular , the eit activities through the kics will contribute to implement the specific objectives of the ' societal challenges ' and ' leadership in enabling and industrial technologies ' established under the horizon 2020 specific programme .


### specific activities shall include : understanding the determinants of health , improving health promotion and disease prevention ; understanding disease and improving diagnosis ; developing effective screening programmes and improving the assessment of disease susceptibility ; improving surveillance and preparedness ; developing better preventive vaccines ; using in - silico medicine for improving disease management and prediction ; treating disease ; transferring knowledge to clinical practice and scalable innovation actions ; better use of health data ; active ageing , independent and assisted living ; individual empowerment for self - management of health ; promotion of integrated care ; improving scientific tools and methods to support policy making and regulatory needs ; and optimising the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare systems and reducing inequalities by evidence based decision making and dissemination of best practice , and innovative technologies and approaches . ### specific activities shall include : understanding the determinants of health , improving health promotion and disease prevention ; understanding the basis of disease and improving diagnosis ; developing effective screening programmes and improving the assessment of disease susceptibility ; improving surveillance and preparedness ; developing new and better preventive vaccines and drugs ; using in - silico medicine for improving disease management and prediction ; developing adapted treatments and treating disease ; transferring knowledge to clinical practice and scalable innovation actions including psychosocial aspects ; improving regulatory procedures and support of access related activities ; better collection and use of health data ; standardised data analysis techniques ; healthy and active ageing , independent and assisted living ; individual empowerment for self - management of health ; promotion of integrated care ; improving scientific tools and methods to support policy making and regulatory needs ; and optimising the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare systems and reducing health disparities and inequalities by evidence based decision making and dissemination of best practice , and innovative technologies and approaches . all of these activities shall properly account for gender and sex analysis . the activities shall take full advantage of the opportunities presented for a true interdisciplinary approach , combining knowledge from all six challenges and the other pillars to ensure sustainable solutions within the domain . active involvement of health care providers must be encouraged in order to secure rapid take - up and implementation of results .


### by 2020 , the erc therefore shall aim to demonstrate : that the best researchers are participating in the erc ' s competitions , that erc funding has led directly to scientific publications of the highest quality and to the commercialisation and application of innovative technologies and ideas and that the erc has contributed significantly to making europe a more attractive environment for the world ' s best scientists . in particular , the erc shall target a measurable improvement in the union ' s share of the world ' s top 1 % most highly cited publications . in addition it shall aim at a substantial increase in the number of excellent researchers from outside europe whom it funds and specific improvements in institutional practices and national policies to support top researchers . ### by 2020 , the erc therefore shall aim to demonstrate : that the best researchers are participating in the erc ' s competitions , that erc funding has led directly to scientific publications of the highest quality and to the commercialisation and application of innovative technologies and ideas and that the erc has contributed significantly to making europe a more attractive environment for the world ' s best scientists . in particular , the erc shall target a measurable improvement in the union ' s share of the world ' s top 1 % most highly cited publications . in addition it shall aim at an increase in the number of excellent researchers from outside europe whom it funds , including a sharp increase of excellent female researchers , and specific improvements in institutional practices and national policies to support top researchers .


### initiatives aimed at widening awareness and facilitating access to funding under horizon 2020 , in particular for those regions or types of participant that are underrepresented ; ### initiatives aimed at widening awareness and facilitating access to funding under horizon 2020 , in particular for those regions or types of participant that are underrepresented , including researchers and participants with disabilities ;


### the specific objective is to foster radically new technologies by exploring novel and high - risk ideas building on scientific foundations . by providing flexible support to goal - oriented and interdisciplinary collaborative research on various scales and by adopting innovative research practices , the aim is to identify and seize opportunities of long - term benefit for citizens , the economy and society . ### the specific objective is to foster frontier research with the potential to open new fields for european science and technology . by providing flexible support to goal - oriented and interdisciplinary collaborative research on various scales and by adopting innovative research practices , the aim is to identify and seize opportunities of long - term benefit for citizens , the economy and society .


### the integrated approach set out in paragraphs 1 and 2 is expected to lead to around 15% of the total combined budget for the specific objective on ‘ leadership in enabling and industrial technologies’ and the priority ‘ societal challenges’ going to smes . ### the integrated approach set out in paragraphs 1 and 2 should lead to more than 15% of the total combined budget for the specific objective on ‘ leadership in enabling and industrial technologies’ and the priority ‘ societal challenges’ going to smes .


### leadership in enabling and industrial technologies shall provide dedicated support for research , development and demonstration on ict , nanotechnology , advanced materials , biotechnology , advanced manufacturing and processing and space . emphasis will be placed on interactions and convergence across and between the different technologies . ### leadership in enabling and industrial technologies shall provide dedicated support for research , development and demonstration on ict , nanotechnology , advanced materials , eco - innovation , biotechnology , advanced manufacturing and processing and space . emphasis will be placed on interactions and convergence across and between the different technologies .


### developing industrial biotechnology for competitive industrial products and processes and its environmental dimension . ### developing industrial biotechnology for competitive industrial , materials , products and sustainable processes and its environmental and health related dimension .


### the aim is to foster the development of innovative societies and policies in europe through the engagement of citizens , enterprises and users in research and innovation and the promotion of coordinated research and innovation policies in the context of globalisation . particular support will be provided for the development of the era and the development of framework conditions for innovation . ### the aim is to foster the development of innovative societies and policies in europe through the engagement of citizens , enterprises and users in research and innovation and the promotion of coordinated research and innovation policies in the context of globalisation . support will be provided for research related to the development of the era and the development of framework conditions for innovation , including a better understanding of societal constrains and opportunities and their role in the innovation process .


### the aims shall be to ensure the implementation and operation of the esfri and other world - class research infrastructures , including the development of regional partner facilities ; integration of and access to national research infrastructures ; and the development , deployment and operation of e - infrastructures . ### the aims shall be to ensure the selection , implementation and operation of the esfri and other world - class research infrastructures , including the development of excellent regional partner facilities ; support of eu - level open access operation of the most relevant and excellent national research infrastructures ; their integration into eu - level distributed infrastructures ; and the development , deployment and operation of e - infrastructures .


### specific actions shall be undertaken within the specific objective ‘ leadership in enabling and industrial technologies’ set out in point 1 of part ii of annex i and each of the specific objectives under the priority ‘ societal challenges’ set out in points 1 to 6 of part iii of annex i . these specific actions shall take the form of a dedicated sme instrument that is targeted at all types of smes with an innovation potential and shall be implemented in a consistent manner and tailored to the needs of smes as set out under the specific objective ‘ innovation in smes’ in point 3 . 3 . of part ii of annex i . ### a dedicated sme instrument targeted at all types of smes with an innovation potential will be created under a single management body and shall be implemented as set out under the specific objective ‘ innovation in smes’ in point 3 . 3 . of part ii of annex i . this instrument shall thematically relate to the specific objective ' leadership in enabling and industrial technologies ' set out in point 1 of part ii of annex i and each of the specific objectives under the priority ' societal challenges ' set out in points 1 to 7 of part iii of annex i .


### specific actions shall be undertaken within the specific objective ‘ leadership in enabling and industrial technologies’ set out in point 1 of part ii of annex i and each of the specific objectives under the priority ‘ societal challenges’ set out in points 1 to 6 of part iii of annex i . these specific actions shall take the form of a dedicated sme instrument that is targeted at all types of smes with an innovation potential and shall be implemented in a consistent manner and tailored to the needs of smes as set out under the specific objective ‘ innovation in smes’ in point 3 . 3 . of part ii of annex i . ### specific actions for smes shall be undertaken within the specific objective ' leadership in enabling and industrial technologies ' set out in point 1 of part ii of annex i and each of the specific objectives under the priority ' societal challenges ' set out in points 1 to 6 of part iii of annex i . these specific actions shall take the form of , inter alia , a dedicated sme instrument that is targeted at all types of smes with an innovation potential and shall be implemented in a consistent manner and tailored to the needs of smes as set out under the specific objective ' innovation in smes ' in point 3 . 3 . of part ii of annex i .


### the sustainable supply and resource efficient management of raw materials , including their exploration , extraction , processing , re - use , recycling and substitution , is essential for the functioning of modern societies and their economies . european sectors , such as construction , chemicals , automotive , aerospace , machinery and equipment , which provide a total added value of some eur 1 . 3 trillion and employment for approximately 30 million people , heavily depend on access to raw materials . however , the supply of raw materials to the union is coming under increasing pressure . furthermore , the union is highly dependent on imports of strategically important raw materials , which are being affected at an alarming rate by market distortions . moreover , the union still has valuable mineral deposits , whose exploration and extraction is limited by a lack of adequate technologies and hampered by increased global competition . given the importance of raw materials for european competitiveness , the economy and for their application in innovative products , the sustainable supply and resource efficient management of raw materials is a vital priority for the union . ### the sustainable supply and resource efficient management of raw materials , including their exploration , extraction , processing , re - use , recycling and substitution , is essential for the functioning of modern societies and their economies . european sectors , such as construction , chemicals , automotive , aerospace , machinery and equipment , which provide a total added value of some eur 1 . 3 trillion and employment for approximately 30 million people , heavily depend on access to raw materials . however , the supply of raw materials to the union is coming under increasing pressure . the union has valuable mineral deposits , whose exploration and extraction is limited by a lack of adequate technologies and transport infrastructure . given the importance of raw materials for european competitiveness , the economy and for their application in innovative products , the sustainable supply and resource efficient management of raw materials is a vital priority for the union . access to european raw materials sources , often located in geographically remote areas , continues to be a challenge for industries dependent on a secure supply of such raw materials . furthermore , the union is highly dependent on imports of strategically important raw materials , which are being affected at an alarming rate by market distortions .


### in order to respond to unforeseen situations or new developments and needs , and to take into account the provisions of paragraph 3 of this article , the commission may , following the interim evaluation of horizon 2020 as referred to in article 26 of this regulation , within the annual budgetary procedure review the amounts set out for the priorities in paragraph 2 and the indicative breakdown by specific objectives within these priorities set out in annex ii and transfer appropriations between the priorities and specific objectives up to 10 % of the total initial allocation of each priority and up to 10 % of the initial indicative breakdown of each specific objective . this does not concern the amount set out for the direct actions of the joint research centre in paragraph 2 or the contribution to the european institute of innovation and technology set out in paragraph 3 . ### in order to respond to unforeseen situations or new developments and needs , and to take into account the provisions of paragraph 3 of this article , the commission may , following the interim evaluation of horizon 2020 as referred to in article 26 of this regulation , within the annual budgetary procedure and without prejudice to the prerogatives of the budgetary authority review the amounts set out for the priorities in paragraph 2 and the indicative breakdown by specific objectives within these priorities set out in annex ii and transfer appropriations between the priorities and specific objectives up to 10 % of the total initial allocation of each priority and up to 10 % of the initial indicative breakdown of each specific objective .


### with the aim to achieve the greatest possible impact of union funding , horizon 2020 is to develop closer synergies , which may also take the form of public - public partnerships , with national and regional programmes that support research and innovation . ### with the aim to achieve the greatest possible impact of union funding , horizon 2020 is to develop closer synergies , which may also take the form of public - public partnerships , with international , national and regional programmes that support research and innovation .


### the aim is to enhance solidarity as well as social , economic and political inclusion and positive inter - cultural dynamics in europe and with international partners , through cutting - edge science and interdisciplinarity , technological advances and organisational innovations . humanities research can play an important role here . research shall support policymakers in designing policies that combat poverty and prevent the development of various forms of divisions , discriminations and inequalities in european societies , such as gender inequalities or digital or innovation divides , and with other world regions . it shall in particular feed into the implementation and the adaptation of the europe 2020 strategy and the broad external action of the union . specific measures shall be taken to unlock excellence in less developed regions , thereby widening participation in horizon 2020 . ### the aim is to gain a greater understanding of societal changes in europe , their impact on social , economic and political inclusion and the main consequences for the well - being and quality of life of individuals , families and societies . the main challenges to be tackled will address the european models for social cohesion and well - being and the need for a considerable knowledge base in the areas of inequalities and social exclusion , demographic change and the ageing society , life course and family transitions , working and living conditions , migration and mobility , education and lifelong learning , multilingualism , social policies and governance dynamics , while also taking into account the economic and social european diversity . social sciences and humanities research can play an important role here . research shall support policymakers in designing policies that combat poverty and prevent the development of various forms of divisions , discriminations and inequalities in european societies , such as gender inequalities or digital or innovation divides , and with other world regions . it shall in particular feed into the implementation and the adaptation of the europe 2020 strategy .


### unlocking the potential of aquatic living resources ### unlocking the potential of fisheries , aquaculture and marine biotechnologies


### the aim shall be to support partnerships between relevant policymakers and funding bodies , mapping and monitoring tools for decision - making and also international cooperation activities . ### the aim shall be to support partnerships between relevant policymakers and funding bodies , mapping and monitoring tools for decision - making and also international cooperation activities . european research infrastructures shall be supported in their international relations activities and consulted in the process of shaping the european strategy for international cooperation in research .


### the commission shall annually monitor the implementation of horizon 2020 , its specific programme and the activities of the european institute of innovation and technology . this shall include information on cross - cutting topics such as sustainability and climate change , including information on the amount of climate related expenditure . ### the commission shall annually monitor the implementation of horizon 2020 , its specific programme and the activities of the european institute of innovation and technology . this shall include information on cross - cutting topics such as , sustainability and climate change , including information on the amount of climate related expenditure , private sector participation and sme participation in particular .


### the response depends on excellence in research to improve our fundamental understanding of health , disease , disability , development and ageing , and on the seamless and widespread translation of the resulting and existing knowledge into innovative , scalable and effective products , strategies , interventions and services . furthermore , the pertinence of these challenges across europe and in many cases , globally , demands a response characterised by long term and coordinated support for co - operation between excellent , multidisciplinary and multi - sector teams . ### the response depends on excellence in research to improve our fundamental understanding of health , disease , disability , development and ageing , and on the seamless and widespread translation of the resulting and existing knowledge into innovative , scalable and effective products , strategies , interventions and services . furthermore , the pertinence of these challenges across europe and in many cases , globally , demands a response characterised by long term and coordinated support for co - operation between excellent , multidisciplinary and multi - sector teams . to meet these challenges , success in innovation depends on the right balance between upstream research and support given to applications . collaborative research complements exploratory research which is funded under the first pillar . upstream collaborative research is a strategic tool that needs to be funded on an equal footing with clinical research to make europe more competitive in the health sector .


### the added value of action at union level ; ### the added value of action at union level and the added value of the instrument of a public - private partnership ;


### horizon 2020 shall be implemented in a way which is complementary to other union funding programmes , including the structural funds . ### horizon 2020 shall be implemented in a way which is complementary to other union funding programmes .


### an increasing disease and disability burden in the context of an aging population places further demands on health and care sectors . if effective health and care is to be maintained for all ages , efforts are required to improve decision making in prevention and treatment provision , to identify and support the dissemination of best practice in the health and care sectors , and to support integrated care and the wide uptake of technological , organisational and social innovations empowering in particular older persons as well as disabled persons to remain active and independent . doing so will contribute to increasing , and lengthening the duration of their physical , social , and mental well - being . ### an increasing disease and disability burden in the context of an aging population places further demands on health and care sectors . if effective health and care is to be maintained for all ages , efforts are required to improve decision making in prevention and treatment provision , to identify and support the dissemination of best practice in the health and care sectors , and to support integrated care and the wide uptake of technological , organisational and social innovations empowering in particular older persons as well as chronically ill and disabled persons to remain active and independent . doing so will contribute to increasing , and lengthening the duration of their physical , social , and mental well - being .


### the aims shall be to ensure the implementation and operation of the esfri and other world - class research infrastructures , including the development of regional partner facilities ; integration of and access to national research infrastructures ; and the development , deployment and operation of e - infrastructures . ### the aims shall be to ensure the implementation and operation of the esfri and other world - class research infrastructures , including the development of regional partner facilities of european interest , as well as the transnational access to world - class european research infrastructures ; integration of and transnational access to national research infrastructures ; and the development , deployment and operation of e - infrastructures to ensure a world - leading capability in networking , computing and scientific data .


### horizon 2020 shall be implemented in a manner ensuring that the priorities and actions supported are relevant to changing needs and take account of the evolving nature of science , technology , innovation , markets and society , where innovation includes business , organisational and social aspects . ### horizon 2020 shall be implemented in a manner ensuring that the priorities and actions supported remain relevant to changing needs and take account of the evolving nature of science , technology , innovation , economies and society in a globalised world , where innovation includes business , organisational and social aspects .


### union participation in programmes undertaken by several member states in accordance with article 185 tfeu . ### union participation in programmes undertaken by several member states in accordance with article 185 tfeu , with the involvement of local and regional authorities .


### horizon 2020 - the framework programme for research and innovation in the european union , focuses on three priorities , namely generating excellent science in order to strengthen the union ' s world - class excellence in science , fostering industrial leadership to support business , including small and medium - sized enterprises and innovation and tackling societal challenges , in order to respond directly to the challenges identified in the europe 2020 strategy by supporting activities covering the entire spectrum from research to market . horizon 2020 should support all stages in the innovation chain , especially activities closer to the market including innovative financial instruments , as well as non - technological and social innovation , and aims to satisfy the research needs of a broad spectrum of union policies by placing emphasis on the widest possible use and dissemination of knowledge generated by the supported activities up to its commercial exploitation . the priorities of horizon 2020 should also be supported through a programme under the euratom treaty on nuclear research and training . ### horizon 2020 - the framework programme for research and innovation in the european union , focuses on three priorities , namely generating excellent science in order to strengthen the union ' s world - class excellence in science , fostering industrial leadership to support business , including small and medium - sized enterprises and innovation and tackling societal challenges , in order to respond directly to the challenges identified in the europe 2020 strategy by supporting activities covering the entire spectrum from research to market . while the union added value lies mainly in funding pre - competitive , transnational , collaborative research , which should attain in horizon 2020 at least the levels of the seventh framework programme , it is necessary to place as well emphasis on the widest possible use and dissemination of knowledge generated by the supported activities up to its commercial exploitation . thus , horizon 2020 should support all stages in the innovation chain , including innovative financial instruments , as well as non - technological and social innovation . the priorities of horizon 2020 should also be supported through a programme under the euratom treaty on nuclear research and training .


### targeted actions with the objective of promoting cooperation with specific third countries or groups of third countries shall be implemented on the basis of common interest and mutual benefit , taking into account their scientific and technological capabilities and market opportunities , and the expected impact . ### targeted actions with the objective of promoting cooperation with specific third countries or groups of third countries shall be implemented on the basis of common interest and mutual benefit . these actions shall include , in particular , research capacity building in developing countries and cooperation projects focusing on these countries’ specific needs in areas such as health – including research on neglected diseases – as well as agriculture , fisheries and the environment , and implemented in financial conditions adapted to their capacities .


### europe is confronted with major socio - economic challenges which significantly affect its future - such as growing economic and cultural interdependencies , ageing , social exclusion and poverty , inequalities and migration flows , closing the digital divide , fostering a culture of innovation and creativity in society and enterprises , as well ensuring security and freedom , trust in democratic institutions and between citizens within and across borders . these challenges are enormous and they call for a common european approach . ### europe is confronted with major socio - economic challenges which significantly affect its future , such as growing economic and cultural interdependencies , ageing and demographic change , social exclusion and poverty , inequalities and migration flows , closing the digital divide , fostering a culture of innovation and creativity in society and enterprises , as well as ensuring trust in democratic institutions and between citizens within and across borders . moreover the role of public social policies in europe is increasingly perceived as a critical element for the sustainability of the european social model itself . these challenges are enormous and they call for an increasingly complex mix of diverse as well as common european approaches , based upon shared scientific knowledge that only the social sciences and humanities can provide .


### all of the specific objectives on societal challenges and on leadership in enabling and industrial technologies will apply the dedicated sme instrument and will allocate an amount for this . ### the dedicated sme instrument shall thematically relate to the specific objective ' leadership in enabling and industrial technologies ' and each of the specific objectives under the priority ' societal challenges ' .


### research , technology development and innovation underpin capacities in space which are vital to european society . while the united states of america spends around 25 % of their space budget on r&d , the union spends less than 10 % . moreover , space research in the union is fragmented in the national programmes of a few member states . to maintain the technological and competitive edge union level action is needed to coordinate space research , to promote the participation of researchers from all member states , and to lower the barriers for collaborative space research projects across national borders . this needs to be done in coordination with the european space agency , which has successfully managed industrial satellite development and deep space missions on an intergovernmental basis with a subset of the member states since 1975 . in addition , the information provided by european satellites will offer an increasing potential for further development of innovative satellite - based downstream services . this is a typical activity sector for smes and should be supported by research and innovation measures in order to reap the full benefits of this opportunity , and especially of the considerable investments made on the two union flagships galileo and gmes . ### research , technology development and innovation underpin capacities in space which are vital to european society . while the united states of america spends around 25 % of their space budget on r&d , the union spends less than 10 % . moreover , space research in the union is addressed in the national programmes of the member states . to maintain the technological and competitive edge union level action is needed to coordinate space research , to promote the participation of researchers from all member states , and to lower the barriers for collaborative space research projects across national borders . this needs to be done in coordination with the european space agency , which has successfully managed industrial satellite development and deep space missions on an intergovernmental basis with a subset of the member states since 1975 . in addition , the information provided by european satellites will offer an increasing potential for further development of innovative satellite - based downstream services . this is a typical activity sector for smes and should be supported by research and innovation measures in order to reap the full benefits of this opportunity , and especially of the considerable investments made on the two union flagships galileo and gmes .


### addressing the availability of raw materials calls for co - ordinated research and innovation efforts across many disciplines and sectors to help provide safe , economically feasible , environmentally sound and socially acceptable solutions along the entire value chain . innovation in these fields will provide opportunities for growth and jobs , as well as innovative options involving science , technology , the economy , policy and governance . for this reason , a european innovation partnership on raw materials is being prepared . ### addressing the availability of raw materials calls for co - ordinated research and innovation efforts across many disciplines and sectors to help provide safe , economically feasible , environmentally sound and socially acceptable solutions along the entire value chain . water challenges include water use in rural , urban and industrial environments and the protection of aquatic ecosystems . innovation in these fields will provide opportunities for growth and jobs , as well as innovative options involving science , technology , the economy , policy and governance . for this reason , european innovation partnerships on water efficiency and raw materials are being prepared .


### the aim is to meet the requirements of citizens for safe , healthy and affordable food , and to make food and feed processing and distribution more sustainable and the food sector more competitive . the activities shall focus on healthy and safe foods for all , informed consumer choices , and competitive food processing methods that use less resources and produce less by - products , waste and green - house gases . ### the aim is to meet the requirements of citizens for good quality , safe , healthy and affordable food , and to make food and feed processing and distribution as well as food consumption more sustainable and the food sector more competitive while preserving european biodiversity . . the activities shall focus on good quality , a broad diversity of healthy , authentic , high quality and safe foods for all , better food information to consumers , and competitive food processing methods that use less resources and additives and produce less by products , waste and green - house gases .


### in order to maintain a level playing field for all undertakings active in the internal market , funding provided by horizon 2020 should be designed in accordance with state aid rules so as to ensure the effectiveness of public spending and prevent market distortions such as crowding - out of private funding , creating ineffective market structures or preserving inefficient firms . ### in order to maintain a level playing field for all undertakings active in the internal market , funding provided by horizon 2020 should be designed in accordance with state aid rules , including the community framework for state aid for research and development and innovation1 and taking into account its current review , so as to ensure the effectiveness of public spending and prevent market distortions such as crowding - out of private funding , creating ineffective market structures or preserving inefficient firms . __________________ 1 oj c 323 , 30 . 12 . 2006 p . 1


### in the context of the knowledge triangle of research , education and innovation , the knowledge and innovation communities under the european institute of innovation and technology should strongly contribute to addressing the objectives of horizon 2020 , including the societal challenges , notably by integrating research , education and innovation . in order to ensure complementarities across horizon 2020 and the adequate absorption of funds , the financial contribution to the european institute of innovation and technology should be made in two allocations , with the second subject to a review . ### in the context of the knowledge triangle of research , education and innovation , the knowledge and innovation communities under the european institute of innovation and technology should strongly contribute to addressing the objectives of horizon 2020 , including the societal challenges , notably by integrating research , education and innovation .


### horizon 2020 shall play a central role in the delivery of the europe 2020 strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth by providing a common strategic framework for the union ' s research and innovation funding , thus acting as a vehicle for leveraging private investment , creating new job opportunities and ensuring europe ' s long - term sustainable growth and competitiveness . ### horizon 2020 shall play a central role in the delivery of the europe 2020 strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth by providing a common strategic framework for funding excellent research and innovation , thus acting as a vehicle for leveraging private investment , creating new job opportunities and ensuring europe ' s long - term sustainable growth and competitiveness .


### the maximum overall amount for the union financial contribution from horizon 2020 to the non - nuclear direct actions of the joint research centre shall be eur 2212 million . ### the maximum overall amount for the union financial contribution from horizon 2020 to the non - nuclear direct actions of the joint research centre shall be 2 , 1% of the total budget .