### member states may retain or introduce legislation that allows , in accordance with annex i , for the national designation of safe countries of origin other than those on the eu common list of safe countries of origin established by regulation no xxxx / 2015 [ this regulation ] for the purposes of examining applications for international protection ### until . . . [ three years from the entry into force of this regulation ] , member states may retain or introduce legislation that allows , in accordance with annex i , for the national designation of safe countries of origin other than those on the eu common list of safe countries of origin established by regulation no xxx / 2015 for the purposes of examining applications for international protection . 1a . where a third country has been suspended from the eu common list of safe countries of origin pursuant to article 3 of that regulation , member states shall not designate that country as a safe country of origin at the national level . 1b . where a third country has been removed from the eu common list of safe countries of origin pursuant to article 2 , a member state may notify the commission where it considers that , following changes in the situation of that third country , it once again fulfils the criteria set out in annex i to this directive for being included in the eu common list of safe countries of origin . the commission shall examine any such notification by a member state and if appropriate , submit a proposal to the european parliament and to the council to amend the eu common list of safe countries of origin accordingly . if the commission decides not to submit such a proposal , member states shall not designate that country as a safe country of origin at national level .


### eu common list of safe countries of origin referred to in article 2 albania , bosnia and herzegovina , the former yugoslav republic of macedonia , kosovo*11 , montenegro , serbia , turkey . __________________ 11 * this designation is without prejudice to positions on status , and is in line with unscr 1244 / 99 and the icj opinion on the kosovo declaration of independence . ### eu common list of safe countries of origin referred to in article 2 .


### on 28 june 2016 , the european council concluded that ' the investment plan for europe , in particular the european fund for strategic investments , has already delivered concrete results and is a major step to help mobilise private investment while making smart use of scarce budgetary resources . the commission intends to soon put forward proposals on the future of the efsi , which should be examined as a matter of urgency by the european parliament and the council . ' ### on 28 june 2016 the european council concluded that the investment plan for europe , in particular the efsi , has delivered concrete results . however , inefficiencies and imbalances in terms of geographic and sectorial diversification remain . in geographic terms , until 30 june 2016 , 63% of the projects signed under the iiw were concentrated in the united kingdom , italy and spain , and 91% were concentrated in the eu15 member states . respectively , 54% of signed projects under the smew were concentrated in italy , france and germany , and 93% were concentrated in eu15 member states . special focus should be given to financially weak eastern european member states , helping them to overcome current investment difficulties and strengthen their competitiveness . taking into consideration those imbalances , as well as existing financial frictions , structural impediments , regulatory frameworks , and the risk - aversion of investors , the commission should undertake ambitious initiatives to help mobilize private investment and proceed with the introduction of the necessary regulatory transformations in order to allow financial institutions to take more infrastructure projects into their portfolios , including further financing of smes , while making smart use of scarce budgetary resources . consideration should also be given to the fact that existing structural inefficiencies in certain member states do not favour other member states when it comes to the use of the efsi . for that reason , no member state should be entitled to use more than 10% of the efsi facility .


### the extended efsi should address remaining market failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for europe’s future job creation – including for the youth – , growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality . they include investments in the areas of energy , environment and climate action , social and human capital and related infrastructure , healthcare , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport , as well as the digital transformation . in particular , the contribution of operations supported by the efsi to achieving the union ' s ambitious targets set at the paris climate conference should be reinforced . energy interconnection priority projects and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted . in addition , efsi support to motorways should be avoided , unless it is needed to support private investment in transport in cohesion countries or in cross - border transport projects involving at least one cohesion country . for reasons of clarity , although they are already eligible , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , fishery and aquaculture come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support . ### the extended efsi should address remaining market - failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for europe’s future in terms of high and sustainable levels of quality human capital , the creation of good quality jobs , growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality , as well in terms of increasing social cohesion , social inclusion , and hence enhancing the well - being of citizens of the union . it should also include investments in the areas of energy , environment and climate action , and related infrastructure , healthcare , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport , tourism , as well as the digital transformation . in particular , the contribution of operations supported by the efsi to achieving the union ' s ambitious targets set at the paris climate conference and the union 2050 commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 - 95% should be reinforced . electricity interconnection priority projects , energy efficiency and circular economy projects , especially when they improve union energy security , enabling private individuals and local communities and cooperatives to become actively involved , should also be increasingly targeted , along with the adaptation of energy grids and renewable energy generation storage and distribution as well as alternative energy resources for vehicles and the building sector . findings so far show that the broad support provided by the efsi to energy , energy efficiency and renewable energy projects has been accompanied by a corresponding reduction in ordinary eib investments in those sectors , thereby nullifying the notion of additionality . efsi - financed loans should be granted in addition to ordinary eib investment operations . similarly , in the digital sector , and within the scope of the ambitious union policy on the digital economy , new digital infrastructure targets should be set in order to ensure the bridging of the digital divide and that the union will be a global pioneer in the new age of the , so - called , internet of things , blockchain technology , and cyber - and network - security . moreover , a criterion for the success of the efsi should be the assistance provided to policy areas that suffered from cuts in investments in order to fund the efsi , such as research grants , especially for low technology readiness levels . efsi support to motorways should be avoided , unless it is needed to support private investment in transport in cohesion countries or in cross - border transport projects involving at least one cohesion country . for reasons of clarity , although they are already eligible , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , fishery and aquaculture come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support . efsi support for fossil fuel projects , especially infrastructure and nuclear installations , should be avoided .


### the extended efsi should address remaining market failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for europe’s future job creation – including for the youth – , growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality . they include investments in the areas of energy , environment and climate action , social and human capital and related infrastructure , healthcare , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport , as well as the digital transformation . in particular , the contribution of operations supported by the efsi to achieving the union ' s ambitious targets set at the paris climate conference should be reinforced . energy interconnection priority projects and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted . in addition , efsi support to motorways should be avoided , unless it is needed to support private investment in transport in cohesion countries or in cross - border transport projects involving at least one cohesion country . for reasons of clarity , although they are already eligible , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , fishery and aquaculture come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support . ### the extended efsi should address remaining market failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for europe ' s future job creation – including for the youth – , growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality . they include investments in the areas of energy , environment and climate action , social and human capital and related infrastructure , healthcare , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport , as well as the digital transformation . in line with the eu ' s commitment to the global fight against climate change , operations supported by the efsi should contribute , as much as possible , to achieving the objectives of cop21 . in order to reinforce the climate action element under the efsi , the eib should build on its experience as one of the largest providers of climate finance worldwide and use its internationally agreed methodology to credibly identify climate action components or cost shares . energy interconnection priority projects and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted . for reasons of clarity , although they are already eligible , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , forestry , fishery and aquaculture and other elements of a wider bioeconomy come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support .


### the extended efsi should address remaining market failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for europe’s future job creation – including for the youth – , growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality . they include investments in the areas of energy , environment and climate action , social and human capital and related infrastructure , healthcare , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport , as well as the digital transformation . in particular , the contribution of operations supported by the efsi to achieving the union ' s ambitious targets set at the paris climate conference should be reinforced . energy interconnection priority projects and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted . in addition , efsi support to motorways should be avoided , unless it is needed to support private investment in transport in cohesion countries or in cross - border transport projects involving at least one cohesion country . for reasons of clarity , although they are already eligible , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , fishery and aquaculture come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support . ### the extended efsi should address remaining market failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for europe’s future job creation – including for the youth – , growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality . they include investments in the areas of renewable energy , environment and climate action , social and human capital and related infrastructure , social housing , healthcare , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport , as well as the digital transformation and the creative industry . in particular , the contribution of operations supported by the efsi to achieving the union ' s ambitious targets set at the paris climate conference should be reinforced . energy interconnection priority projects and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted . in addition , efsi support to new motorways should be phased out , unless it is needed to support private investment in transport in cohesion countries or in cross - border transport projects involving at least one cohesion country . for reasons of clarity , although they are already eligible , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of sustainable agriculture , fishery and aquaculture come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support .


### the extended efsi should address remaining market failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for europe’s future job creation – including for the youth – , growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality . they include investments in the areas of energy , environment and climate action , social and human capital and related infrastructure , healthcare , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport , as well as the digital transformation . in particular , the contribution of operations supported by the efsi to achieving the union ' s ambitious targets set at the paris climate conference should be reinforced . energy interconnection priority projects and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted . in addition , efsi support to motorways should be avoided , unless it is needed to support private investment in transport in cohesion countries or in cross - border transport projects involving at least one cohesion country . for reasons of clarity , although they are already eligible , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , fishery and aquaculture come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support . ### the extended efsi should address remaining market failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for europe ' s future job creation – including for the youth – , growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality . they include investments in the areas of energy , environment and climate action , social and human capital and related infrastructure , healthcare , housing projects , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport , as well as the digital transformation . in particular , the contribution of operations supported by the efsi to achieving the union ' s ambitious targets set at the paris climate conference should be reinforced . energy interconnection priority projects and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted . given the high rates of poverty and social exclusion in europe , efsi operations for investments into enterprises focusing on social infrastructure , social services and education should be reinforced . in addition , efsi support to motorways should be avoided , unless it is needed to support private investment in transport in cohesion countries or in cross - border transport projects involving at least one cohesion country . for reasons of clarity , although they are already eligible , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , fishery and aquaculture come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support .


### the extended efsi should address remaining market failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for europe’s future job creation – including for the youth – , growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality . they include investments in the areas of energy , environment and climate action , social and human capital and related infrastructure , healthcare , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport , as well as the digital transformation . in particular , the contribution of operations supported by the efsi to achieving the union ' s ambitious targets set at the paris climate conference should be reinforced . energy interconnection priority projects and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted . in addition , efsi support to motorways should be avoided , unless it is needed to support private investment in transport in cohesion countries or in cross - border transport projects involving at least one cohesion country . for reasons of clarity , although they are already eligible , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , fishery and aquaculture come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support . ### the extended efsi should address remaining market failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for europe’s future job creation – including for the youth – , growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality . they include investments in the areas of energy , environment and climate action , social and human capital and related infrastructure , healthcare , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport , tourism as well as the digital transformation . in addition , it should also address excessive concentration in certain policy sectors , as well as geographical imbalances of investments , in order to contribute to the economic , social and territorial cohesion of the union and avoid increasing disparities in the different regions and member states . in particular , the contribution of operations supported by the efsi to achieving the union ' s ambitious targets set at the paris climate conference should be reinforced . energy interconnection priority projects and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted . in addition , efsi support to motorways should be limited to support private and / or public investment in transport in cohesion countries , less developed regions or in cross - border transport projects or if it is necessary to upgrade and maintain , improve road safety , develop its devices or guarantee the integrity and standards of existing motorways on the trans - european transport network , in particular safe parking areas , alternative clean fuels stations and electric charging systems . for reasons of clarity , although they are already eligible , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , fishery and aquaculture come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support .


### additionality , a key feature of the efsi , should be strengthened in the selection of projects . in particular , operations should only be eligible for efsi support if they address clearly identified market failures or sub - optimal investment situations . operations in infrastructure under the infrastructure and innovation window linking two or more member states , including e - infrastructure , should be considered additional given their inherent difficulty and their high added value for the union . ### additionality , a key feature of the efsi , should be strengthened in the selection of projects . in particular , operations should be eligible for efsi support if they address market failures , sub - optimal investment situations or delays in the mobilisation of private capital . operations in infrastructure under the infrastructure and innovation window linking two or more member states , including e - infrastructure , should be considered additional given their inherent difficulty and their high added value for the union .


### additionality , a key feature of the efsi , should be strengthened in the selection of projects . in particular , operations should only be eligible for efsi support if they address clearly identified market failures or sub - optimal investment situations . operations in infrastructure under the infrastructure and innovation window linking two or more member states , including e - infrastructure , should be considered additional given their inherent difficulty and their high added value for the union . ### additionality , a key feature of the efsi , should be strengthened in the selection of projects . in order to ensure that the entities that need to use the efsi guarantee fund are better represented , it would be advisable to allow for rotation on the steering board , and to include members of different services of the european commission , such as those responsible for transport and environment policies . in accordance with the additionality principle , operations should only be eligible if they address clearly identified market failures or sub - optimal investment situations . operations in infrastructure under the infrastructure and innovation window linking two or more member states , including e - infrastructure such as ertms , should be considered additional given their inherent difficulty and their high added value for the union .


### in line with the exceptional market demand for sme financing under the efsi which is expected to continue , the efsi sme window should be enhanced . particular attention should be paid to social enterprises , including through the development and deployment of new instruments . ### in line with the exceptional market demand for sme financing under the efsi , the efsi sme window should be enhanced with additional resources , as well as the support capacities for smes of the advisory hub . particular attention should be paid to social enterprises .


### in line with the exceptional market demand for sme financing under the efsi which is expected to continue , the efsi sme window should be enhanced . particular attention should be paid to social enterprises , including through the development and deployment of new instruments . ### in line with the exceptional market demand for sme financing under the efsi which is expected to continue , the efsi sme window should be enhanced , especially in less - developed regions and transition regions . particular attention should be paid to social enterprises , as well as enterprises dealing with sustainable and digital projects , including through the development and deployment of new instruments and the diversification of financing sources by encouraging multiple financing such as crowdfunding .


### the eib and the eif should ensure that the final beneficiaries , including smes , are informed of the existence of efsi support , so as to enhance the visibility of the eu guarantee granted under regulation 2015 / 1017 . ### the eib and the eif should ensure that all the final beneficiaries are duly informed of the existence of efsi support , so as to enhance the visibility of the eu guarantee granted under regulation 2015 / 1017 and encourage the preparation of investment projects offering broad sectorial and geographical coverage .


### the eib and the eif should ensure that the final beneficiaries , including smes , are informed of the existence of efsi support , so as to enhance the visibility of the eu guarantee granted under regulation 2015 / 1017 . ### the eib and the eif should publicise the efsi in order to raise the profile of this important instrument . they should also ensure that the final beneficiaries , including smes , are informed of the existence of efsi support , so as to enhance the visibility of the eu guarantee granted under regulation 2015 / 1017 .


### the eib and the eif should ensure that the final beneficiaries , including smes , are informed of the existence of efsi support , so as to enhance the visibility of the eu guarantee granted under regulation 2015 / 1017 . ### the eib and the eif should ensure that the final beneficiaries , including smes , are informed of the existence of the various eu support instruments that may be used alone or in combination with the efsi and should provide assistance to enable the choice of the most appropriate instrument or combination of instruments , so as to enhance the awareness of the eu guarantee granted under regulation 2015 / 1017 and to encourage preparation of investment projects in a broad sectorial and geographic way .


### the european investment advisory hub should be enhanced and its activities should focus on needs not covered adequately under current arrangements . it should pay particular attention to supporting the preparation of projects involving two or more member states and projects that contribute to achieving the objectives of cop21 . notwithstanding its objective to build upon existing advisory services of the eib and the commission , so to act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing within the union , the eiah should also contribute actively to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi and support the eib where needed in originating projects . it should also actively contribute to the establishment of investment platforms and provide advice on the combination of other sources of union funding with the efsi . ### the european investment advisory hub should be enhanced and its activities should address any shortcomings in the implementation of the efsi . it should play an instrumental role in empowering project promoters to initiate and develop viable , sustainable and quality projects . it should pay particular attention to supporting the preparation of projects involving two or more member states or regions , and projects that contribute to achieving the objectives of cop21 . the eiah should also contribute actively to achieving the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi and proactively supporting the eib and other actors involved in originating projects and launching operations , as well as in initiating demand , where needed . it should also actively contribute to the establishment of investment platforms and provide advice on combining other sources of eu funding with the efsi . it is considered necessary for the eiah to establish a strong local presence , where needed , to leverage local knowledge about the efsi and give better consideration to local needs . the eiah should aim to conclude agreements with national development banks or institutions in each member state . to achieve those objectives , the staff capacity of the eiah should be commensurate to the tasks that it is called upon to undertake .


### the european investment advisory hub should be enhanced and its activities should focus on needs not covered adequately under current arrangements . it should pay particular attention to supporting the preparation of projects involving two or more member states and projects that contribute to achieving the objectives of cop21 . notwithstanding its objective to build upon existing advisory services of the eib and the commission , so to act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing within the union , the eiah should also contribute actively to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi and support the eib where needed in originating projects . it should also actively contribute to the establishment of investment platforms and provide advice on the combination of other sources of union funding with the efsi . ### the european investment advisory hub should be enhanced and its activities should focus on needs not covered adequately under current arrangements in eu member states and regions which have not yet adequately benefitted from efsi . it should pay particular attention to supporting the preparation of projects involving two or more member states and projects that contribute to achieving the objectives of cop21 . notwithstanding its objective to build upon existing advisory services of the eib and the commission , so to act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing within the union , the eiah should also contribute actively to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi and support the eib where needed in originating projects . it should strengthen its cooperation with local and regional authorities , actively contribute to the establishment of investment platforms in regions with low investment capacity and provide advice on the combination of other sources of union funding with the efsi , with a focus on smes .


### ' information and communication technologies infrastructures ; ### point is replaced by the following : ' information , cyber security , networks , block chain and communications technologies infrastructures ; ’


### ' ### the following point is added : ‘ providing advice for projects involving two or more member states and providing support for the setting up of special - purpose vehicles or other ad hoc bodies , including decentralised clusters of technical assistance to better meet the needs of a specific sector and / or a region , such as energy efficiency projects in south - eastern member states . advice shall also be provided for multi - national , intra - regional , multi - regional and cross - border projects , as well as on the possible combination with other sources of union financing , including funds which involve union territorial cooperation ; ’


### ' education and training ; ### point is replaced by the following : ' human capital development , education and training ; '


### ‘ smes ; ’ ### point is replaced by the following : ' startups and smes ; '


### decisions approving the use of the eu guarantee shall be public and accessible , and include the rationale for the decision , with particular focus on compliance with the additionality criterion . the publication shall not contain commercially sensitive information . in reaching its decision , the investment committee shall be supported by the documentation provided by the eib . ; ### decisions approving the use of the eu guarantee shall be made public and accessible without delay , and include the rationale for the decision based on the projects scoreboard , with particular focus on compliance with union policies , including the objective of smart , sustainable and inclusive growth , quality job creation and economic , social and territorial cohesion and with the additionality criterion . the publication shall not contain commercially sensitive information . in reaching its decision , the investment committee shall be supported by the documentation provided by the eib . ;


### decisions approving the use of the eu guarantee shall be public and accessible , and include the rationale for the decision , with particular focus on compliance with the additionality criterion . the publication shall not contain commercially sensitive information . in reaching its decision , the investment committee shall be supported by the documentation provided by the eib . ; ### decisions approving the use of the eu guarantee shall be public and accessible , and include the rationale for the decision , with particular focus on compliance with the union policies , including the objective of smart , sustainable and inclusive growth , quality job creation and economic , social and territorial cohesion and with the additionality criterion . the geographical balance should be promoted by strengthening eiah assistance to member states , regions and local authorities with lower participation rate in efsi projects . the scoreboard of indicators , used to assess operations , shall be made public as soon as an operation under the eu guarantee is signed , not including commercially sensitive information . in reaching its decision , the investment committee shall be supported by the documentation provided by the eib . ;


### endowments to the guarantee fund referred to under paragraph 2 shall be used to reach an appropriate level to reflect the total eu guarantee obligations . the target amount shall be set at 35 % of the total eu guarantee obligations . ; ### endowments to the guarantee fund referred to under paragraph 2 shall be used to reach an appropriate level to reflect the total eu guarantee obligations . the target amount shall be set at 32 % of the total eu guarantee obligations . ;


### it shall also support the preparation of climate action and circular economy projects or components thereof , in particular in the context of cop21 , the preparation of projects in the digital sector , as well as the preparation of projects referred to in the fifth subparagraph of article 5 . ; ### it shall also support the preparation of climate action and circular economy projects or components thereof , in particular in the context of cop21 , the preparation of ambitious cross - border projects , projects in research and innovation such as the digital and telecommunications sector , as well as the preparation of projects referred to in the fifth subparagraph of article 5 ;


### ‘ leveraging local knowledge to facilitate efsi support across the union and contributing where possible to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi referred to in section 8 of annex ii by supporting the eib to originate operations ; ’ ### ‘ leveraging regional and local knowledge to facilitate efsi support across the union and contributing to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi referred to in section 8 of annex ii by supporting the eib and project promoters to originate operations ; ’


### leveraging local knowledge to facilitate efsi support across the union and contributing where possible to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi referred to in section 8 of annex ii by supporting the eib to originate operations ; ' ; ### leveraging regional and local knowledge , as well as supporting capacity building to facilitate efsi support across the union at all levels and contributing where possible to the objectives of economic , social and territorial cohesion , as well as of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi referred to in section 8 of annex ii by supporting the eib to originate operations , also in coordination with national and regional promotional banks ; ' ;


### leveraging local knowledge to facilitate efsi support across the union and contributing where possible to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi referred to in section 8 of annex ii by supporting the eib to originate operations ; ### leveraging local , regional and national knowledge , collaborating more closely with member states’ authorities and focusing on building capacity in order to facilitate the use of efsi support across the union and contributing where possible to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi referred to in section 8 of annex ii by supporting the eib to originate operations ;


### providing pro - active support on the establishment of investment platforms ; ### ‘ providing pro - active support on the establishment of investment platforms , including sectorial investment platforms ; '


### providing advice on the combination of other sources of union funding with the efsi . ; ### providing advice on the combination of efsi with other sources of union funding such as the esifs , horizon 2020 and the cef , thus facilitating the optimal blending of various union resources . that shall be done in a manner that does not disincentivise crowding - in or the mobilisation of fresh money or idle capital ;


### providing advice on the combination of other sources of union funding with the efsi . ### providing advice on the complementarity of other sources and potential synergies of union funding and investments with the efsi .


### in order to achieve the objective referred to in paragraph 1 and to facilitate the provision of advisory support at local level , the eiah shall seek to use the expertise of the eib , the commission , national promotional banks or institutions , and the managing authorities of the european structural and investment funds . ; ### in order to achieve the objective referred to in paragraph 1 , to overcome any barrier to investment identified during the operations , and to facilitate the provision of advisory support at local level , the eiah shall seek to use the expertise of the eib , the commission , national promotional banks or institutions , and the managing authorities of the european structural and investment funds . ;


### in order to achieve the objective referred to in paragraph 1 and to facilitate the provision of advisory support at local level , the eiah shall seek to use the expertise of the eib , the commission , national promotional banks or institutions , and the managing authorities of the european structural and investment funds . ; ### in order to achieve the objective referred to in paragraph 1 and to facilitate the provision of advisory support at regional and local level , the eiah shall seek to use the expertise of the eib , the commission , the national and regional promotional banks or institutions , and the managing authorities of the european structural and investment funds . in order to facilitate the crowding - in of private investors , interaction among the eiah , the eipp , the eib , and national and regional promotional banks or institutions shall be strengthened . ;


### the union shall contribute up to a maximum of eur 20 000 000 per annum towards covering the costs of eiah operations until 31 december 2020 for the services provided by the eiah under paragraph 2 which are in addition to those already available under other union programmes , insofar as those costs are not covered by the remaining amount from fees referred to in paragraph 4 . ### paragraph 7 is replaced by following : ‘ 7 . an annual reference amount of eur 20 000 000 shall be made available from the general budget of the union to contribute towards covering the costs of eiah operations until 31 december 2020 for the services provided by the eiah under paragraph 2 which are in addition to those already available under other union programmes , insofar as those costs are not covered by the remaining amount from fees referred to in paragraph 4 . ’


### “7 . the union shall contribute up to a maximum of eur 20 000 000 per annum towards covering the costs of eiah operations until 31 december 2020 for the services provided by the eiah under paragraph 2 which are in addition to those already available under other union programmes , insofar as those costs are not covered by the remaining amount from fees referred to in paragraph 4 . ” ### paragraph 7 is replaced by the following : ‘ 7 . the union shall contribute the amount necessary , with a minimum of eur 20 000 000 per annum towards covering the costs of eiah operations until 31 december 2020 for it to fulfil its enhanced responsibilities and intensify the services provided by the eiah under paragraph 2 which are in addition to those already available under other union programmes , insofar as those costs are not covered by the remaining amount from fees referred to in paragraph 4 . ’ .


### the eib and eif shall inform or shall oblige financial intermediaries to inform the final beneficiaries , including smes , of the existence of efsi support . ; ### the eib and eif shall inform , or shall oblige financial intermediaries to inform , the final beneficiaries , including smes , of the existence of efsi support and shall make that information prominently visible , particularly in the case of smes , in the financing agreement and on every contract that includes efsi support , thereby increasing public awareness and improving visibility ;


### the eib and eif shall inform or shall oblige financial intermediaries to inform the final beneficiaries , including smes , of the existence of efsi support . ; ### the eib and eif shall inform or shall oblige financial intermediaries to inform the final beneficiaries of the existence of efsi support and to place the efsi logo in a prominent place on the financing agreement , particularly in the case of smes , on every contract that includes efsi support , thereby increasing recipients’ awareness and expanding the efsi’s visibility .


### telecommunications sector : eur 1 091 602 000 ; ### telecommunications sector : eur 1 141 602 000 ;


### energy sector : eur 5 005 075 000 . ### energy sector : eur 5 350 075 000 .


### regulation no 1380 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council establishes the rules of the common fisheries policy in line with the international obligations of the union . the objectives of the cfp are , amongst others , to ensure that fishing and aquaculture are environmentally sustainable in the long - term , to apply the precautionary approach to fisheries management , and to implement the ecosystem - based approach to fisheries management . ### regulation no 1380 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council establishes the rules of the common fisheries policy in line with the international obligations of the union . the objectives of the cfp are , amongst others , to ensure that fishing and aquaculture are sustainable from a socio - economic and environmental point of view in the long - term , in keeping with a balanced application of the precautionary approach and ecosystem - based approach to fisheries management .


### it is appropriate to establish a multi - species fisheries plan taking into account the dynamics between the stocks of cod , herring and sprat , and also considering the by - catch species of the fisheries for these stocks , namely the baltic stocks of plaice , brill , flounder and turbot . the objective of this plan should be to aim at achieving and maintaining maximum sustainable yields for the stocks concerned . ### it is appropriate to establish a multi - species fisheries plan taking into account the dynamics between the stocks of cod , herring and sprat , and also considering by - catch species of the fisheries for these stocks , namely the baltic stocks of plaice , brill , flounder and turbot , and incidental catches of seabirds and marine mammals . the objective of this plan should be to achieve and maintain maximum sustainable yields for the stocks concerned .


### it is appropriate to establish a multi - species fisheries plan taking into account the dynamics between the stocks of cod , herring and sprat , and also considering the by - catch species of the fisheries for these stocks , namely the baltic stocks of plaice , brill , flounder and turbot . the objective of this plan should be to aim at achieving and maintaining maximum sustainable yields for the stocks concerned . ### the ultimate goal is to establish a multi - species fisheries plan taking into account the dynamics between the stocks of cod , herring and sprat , and also considering the by - catch species of the fisheries for these stocks , namely the baltic stocks of plaice , brill , flounder and turbot . the objective of this plan should be to achieve and maintain maximum sustainable yields for the stocks concerned , as well as to minimise the impact of the fisheries on the wider marine environment .


### these targets should therefore be established and expressed in terms of fishing mortality rates , based on scientific advice19 . __________________ 19 ices technical services , september 2014 http : / / www . ices . dk / sites / pub / publication%20reports / advice / 2014 / special%20requests / eu_fmsy_range_for_baltic_cod_and_pelagic_stocks . pdf ### these targets should therefore be established and expressed in terms of fishing mortality rates , based on scientific advice19 that restores and maintains populations of harvested species above levels which can produce the maximum sustainable yield . the maximum sustainable yield exploitation rate should be the upper limit for exploitation . __________________ 19 ices technical services , september 2014 http : / / www . ices . dk / sites / pub / publication%20reports / advice / 2014 / special%20requests / eu_fmsy_range_for_baltic_cod_and_pelagic_stocks . pdf


### in the case of stocks taken as by - catches , in the absence of scientific advice on such levels of minimum spawning biomass , specific conservation measures should be adopted when scientific advice states that a stock is under threat . ### in the case of stocks taken as by - catches , in the absence of scientific advice on such levels of minimum spawning biomass , specific conservation measures should be adopted when other indicators make it possible to give scientific advice that states that a stock is under threat . the scientific data on spawning biomass levels for by - catches must be speedily made available so the necessary measures can be taken .


### in order to comply with the landing obligation established by article 15 of regulation no 1380 / 2013 , the plan should provide for other management measures as set out under points to of article 15 of that regulation . such measures should be laid down by way of delegated acts . ### in order to comply with the landing obligation established by article 15 of regulation no 1380 / 2013 , the plan should provide for other management measures as set out under points to of article 15 of that regulation . such measures should be laid down by way of delegated acts after consultation with the advisory councils concerned .


### the plan should also provide for certain accompanying technical measures to be adopted , by way of delegated acts , in order to contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the plan , in particular as regards the protection of juveniles or spawning fish . pending the revision of council regulation no 2187 / 200520 , it should also be envisaged that such measures may , where necessary for the achievement of the objectives of the plan , derogate from certain non - essential elements of that regulation . __________________ 20 council regulation no 2187 / 2005 of 21 december 2005 for the conservation of fishery resources through technical measures in the baltic sea , the belts and the sound , amending regulation no 1434 / 98 and repealing regulation no 88 / 98 . ### the plan should also provide for certain accompanying technical measures to be adopted , by way of delegated acts after consultation with the advisory councils concerned , in order to contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the plan , in particular as regards the protection of juveniles or spawning fish . pending the revision of council regulation no 2187 / 200520 , it should also be envisaged that such measures may , where necessary for the achievement of the objectives of the plan , derogate from certain non - essential elements of that regulation . __________________ 20 council regulation no 2187 / 2005 of 21 december 2005 for the conservation of fishery resources through technical measures in the baltic sea , the belts and the sound , amending regulation no 1434 / 98 and repealing regulation no 88 / 98 .


### in accordance with article 18 of regulation no 1380 / 2013 , where the commission has been granted powers to adopt delegated acts in respect of certain conservation measures as set out in the plan , member states having a direct management interest in the baltic sea fisheries should have the possibility to submit joint recommendations for such measures , so that these measures are well designed to correspond to the particularities of the baltic sea and its fisheries . the deadline for submitting these recommendations should be established , as required by article 18 of that regulation . ### in accordance with article 18 of regulation no 1380 / 2013 , where the commission has been granted powers to adopt delegated acts in respect of certain conservation measures as set out in the plan , member states and the advisory councils having a direct management interest in the baltic sea fisheries should have the possibility to submit joint recommendations for such measures , so that these measures are well designed to correspond to the particularities of the baltic sea and its fisheries . the deadline for submitting these recommendations should be established , as required by article 18 of that regulation .


### as regards the time - frame , it is expected that for the stocks concerned maximum sustainable yield should be reached by 2015 . it should be maintained from there on . ### as regards the time - frame , the stocks concerned should achieve the target by 2015 where possible and , on a progressive , incremental basis at the latest by 2020 . it should be maintained from these dates on .


### the target fishing mortality shall be reached by 2015 and maintained onwards for the stocks concerned within the following ranges : ### the target fishing mortality shall be achieved by 2015 where possible and , on a progressive , incremental basis at the latest by 2020 and maintained thereafter for the stocks concerned . the fishing mortality for the stocks concerned shall be set within the following ranges : values for fmsy should be taken from the latest reliable scientific advice available and f should aim to 0 . 8 times fmsy .


### by way of derogation from article 17 of regulation no 1224 / 2009 , the prior notification obligation laid down in that article shall apply to masters of union fishing vessels of eight metres overall length or more retaining on board at least 300 kg of cod or two tons of pelagic stocks . ### by way of derogation from article 17 of regulation no 1224 / 2009 , the prior notification obligation laid down in that article shall apply to masters of union fishing vessels of eight metres overall length or more retaining on board at least 300 kg of cod or two tons of pelagic stocks . the competent authorities of the coastal member states may give permission to an earlier entry at port .


### the commission shall ensure an evaluation of the impact of this plan on the stocks covered by this regulation and on the fisheries exploiting those stocks , in particular to take account of changes in scientific advice , six years after the entry into force of the plan and , thereafter , every six years . the commission shall submit the results of these evaluations to the european parliament and council . ### the commission shall ensure an evaluation of the impact of this plan on the stocks covered by this regulation and on the fisheries exploiting those stocks , in particular to take account of changes in scientific advice , six years after the entry into force of the plan and , thereafter , every six years . within the framework of the evaluation of the plan , the commission shall report to the european parliament and the council on progress achieved towards restoring and maintaining fish stocks above levels capable of producing maximum sustainable yield . the commission shall submit the results of these evaluations to the european parliament and council .


### in the case of corporate entities : the natural person who ultimately owns or controls a legal entity through direct or indirect ownership of a sufficient percentage of the shares or voting rights or ownership interest in that entity , including through bearer shareholdings , or through control via other means , other than a company listed on a regulated market that is subject to disclosure requirements consistent with union law or subject to equivalent international standards which ensure adequate transparency of ownership information . a shareholding of 25 % plus one share or an ownership interest of more than 25 % in the customer held by a natural person shall be an indication of direct ownership . a shareholding of 25 % plus one share or an ownership interest of more than 25 % in the customer held by a corporate entity , which is under the control of a natural person , or by multiple corporate entities , which are under the control of the same natural person , shall be an indication of indirect ownership . this applies without prejudice to the right of member states to decide that a lower percentage may be an indication of ownership or control . control through other means may be determined , inter alia , in accordance with the criteria in article 22 to of directive 2013 / 34 / eu of the european parliament and of the council ; if , after having exhausted all possible means and provided there are no grounds for suspicion , no person under point is identified , or if there is any doubt that the person identified are the beneficial owner , the natural person who hold the position of senior managing official , the obliged entities shall keep records of the actions taken in order to identify the beneficial ownership under point and this point ; _________________ directive 2013 / 34 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 june 2013 on the annual financial statements , consolidated financial statements and related reports of certain types of undertakings , amending directive 2006 / 43 / ec of the european parliament and of the council and repealing council directives 78 / 660 / eec and 83 / 349 / eec . ### in point 6 , point is replaced by the following : ‘ in the case of corporate entities : all the natural persons who ultimately own or control a legal entity through direct or indirect ownership of a sufficient percentage of the shares or voting rights or ownership interest in that entity , including through bearer shareholdings , or through control via other means , other than a company listed on a regulated market that is subject to disclosure requirements consistent with union law or subject to equivalent international standards which ensure adequate transparency of ownership information . a shareholding of 10 % plus one share or an ownership interest of more than 10 % in the customer held by a natural person shall be an indication of direct ownership . a shareholding of 10 % plus one share or an ownership interest of more than 10 % in the customer held by a corporate entity , which is under the control of a natural person , or by multiple corporate entities , which are under the control of the same natural person , shall be an indication of indirect ownership . this applies without prejudice to the right of member states to decide that a lower percentage may be an indication of ownership or control . control through other means may be determined , inter alia , in accordance with the criteria in article 22 to of directive 2013 / 34 / eu of the european parliament and of the council . if the entity fails to provide the identity of any natural person that meets the criteria under point , or if there is any doubt that the person or persons identified is or are the beneficial owner , the obliged entities shall record that no beneficial owner exists and keep records of the actions taken in order to identify the beneficial ownership under point . in addition , the obliged entities should identify and verify the identity of the relevant natural person who holds the position of senior managing official , who should be identified as ‘ senior manager’ , and record details of all legal owners of the entity ; _________________ directive 2013 / 34 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 26 june 2013 on the annual financial statements , consolidated financial statements and related reports of certain types of undertakings , amending directive 2006 / 43 / ec of the european parliament and of the council and repealing council directives 78 / 660 / eec and 83 / 349 / eec . ’ ;


### in the case of trusts : the settlor ; the trustee ; the protector , if any ; the beneficiaries , or where the individuals benefiting from the legal arrangement or entity have yet to be determined , the class of persons in whose main interest the legal arrangement or entity is set up or operates ; any other natural person exercising ultimate control over the trust by means of direct or indirect ownership or by other means ; ### in point 6 , point is replaced by the following : ‘ in the case of trusts : the settlor ; the trustee ; the protector if any ; the beneficiaries , or where the individuals benefiting from the legal arrangement or entity have yet to be determined , the class of persons in whose main interest the legal arrangement or entity is set up or operates ; any other natural person exercising ultimate control over the trust by means of direct or indirect ownership or by other means . with regard to trusts that are designated by characteristics or by class , the trust deed or related document should provide sufficient information concerning the beneficiary so that any person would be able to establish the identity of the beneficiary at the time of the distribution or when the beneficiary intends to exercise vested rights . ’


### member states shall ensure that the information on the beneficial ownership is accessible in all cases to : competent authorities and fius , without any restriction ; obliged entities , within the framework of customer due diligence in accordance with chapter ii ; any person or organisation that can demonstrate a legitimate interest ; the persons or organisations referred to in point shall access at least the name , the month and year of birth , the nationality and the country of residence of the beneficial owner as well as the nature and extent of the beneficial interest held . for the purposes of this paragraph , access to the information on beneficial ownership shall be in accordance with data protection rules and may be subject to online registration and to the payment of a fee . the fees charged for obtaining the information shall not exceed the administrative costs thereof . ### paragraph 5 is replaced by the following : ‘ 5 . member states shall ensure that the information on the beneficial ownership is accessible in all cases to : competent authorities and fius , without any restriction ; obliged entities , within the framework of customer due diligence in accordance with chapter ii ; the public the information accessible to the public shall consist of at least the name , the date of birth , the nationality , a business or service address and the country of residence of the beneficial owner as well as the nature and extent of the beneficial interest held . for the purposes of this paragraph , access to the information on beneficial ownership shall be in accordance with both data protection rules and open data standards . ’ ;


### “9 . in exceptional circumstances to be laid down in national law , where the access referred to in point of paragraph 5 would expose the beneficial owner to the risk of fraud , kidnapping , blackmail , violence or intimidation , or where the beneficial owner is a minor or otherwise incapable , member states may provide for an exemption from such access to all or part of the information on the beneficial ownership on a case - by - case basis . exemptions granted pursuant to this paragraph shall not apply to credit institutions and financial institutions , and to the obliged entities as referred to in point of article 2 that are public officials . ### “9 . in exceptional circumstances to be laid down in national law , where the access referred to in point and of paragraph 5 would expose the beneficial owner to the risk of kidnapping , blackmail , violence or intimidation , in particular when the beneficial owner is a minor or otherwise incapable , member states may provide for an exemption from such access to all or part of the information on the beneficial ownership on a case - by - case basis . exemptions shall never be indefinite and shall be reassessed at regular intervals . where an exemption is granted , it must be clearly noted in the register accessible to entities referred to in point and of paragraph 5 . exemptions granted pursuant to this paragraph shall not apply to credit institutions and financial institutions , and to the obliged entities as referred to in point of article 2 that are public officials .


### “1 . member states shall ensure that this article applies to trusts and other types of legal arrangements having a structure or functions similar to trusts , such as , inter alia , fiducie , treuhand or fideicomiso . each member state shall require that trustees of any express trust administered in that member state obtain and hold adequate , accurate and up - to - date information on beneficial ownership regarding the trust . that information shall include the identity of : the settlor ; the trustee ; the protector ; the beneficiaries or class of beneficiaries ; any other natural person exercising effective control of the trust . ' ; ### “1 . member states shall ensure that this article applies to trusts and other types of legal arrangements having a structure or functions similar to trusts , such as , inter alia , fiducie , treuhand , waqf or fideicomiso , and all other similar , in terms of structure or function , existing or future legal arrangements . member states shall require that trustees of any express trust created , administered and / or operating in that member state obtain and hold adequate , accurate and up - to - date information on beneficial ownership regarding the trust . that information shall include the identity of : the settlor ; the trustee ; the protector ; the beneficiaries or class of beneficiaries ; and any other natural person exercising effective control over the trust . ” ;


### “3a . the information referred to in paragraph 1 shall be held in a central register set up by the member state where the trust is administered . ” ; ### “3a . the information referred to in paragraph 1 shall be held in a central register set up by the member state where the trust is created , administered or operates . member states shall notify to the commission the characteristics of the national central register . ” ;


### “4a . the information held in the register referred to in paragraph 3a of this article with respect to any other trusts than those referred to in article 7b of directive 2009 / 101 shall be accessible to any person or organisation that can demonstrate a legitimate interest . the information accessible to persons and organisations that can demonstrate a legitimate interest shall consist of the name , the month and year of birth , the nationality and the country of residence of the beneficial owner as defined in article 3 . ### “4a . the information held in the register referred to in paragraph 3a of this article shall be accessible to the public in an open data format . the information accessible to the public shall consist of the name , the date of birth , the nationality and the country of residence of the beneficial owner as defined in article 3 , as well as the nature and extent of the beneficial interest held . member states shall ensure that , in exceptional circumstances and under specific terms to be laid down in national law , a settlor and / or a trustee may request national authorities not to make that information about the trust or legal arrangement in question publicly accessible , for the purpose of protecting the privacy of vulnerable beneficiaries . where the national authority agrees to that request , a statement shall be inserted in the public register stating that the available information on the trust or legal arrangement is incomplete . it shall always be possible to challenge such decisions .


### whenever entering into a new customer relationship with a trust or other legal arrangement subject to registration of beneficial ownership information pursuant to paragraph 3a , the obliged entities shall collect proof of registration whenever applicable . ” ; ### whenever entering into a new customer relationship with a trust or other legal arrangement subject to registration of beneficial ownership information pursuant to paragraph 3a , the obliged entities shall collect proof of registration whenever applicable and report any discrepancy they find between the beneficial ownership information held in the central register and the beneficial ownership information collected as part of their customer due diligence procedures . ” ;


### “7a . in exceptional circumstances laid down in national law , where the access referred to in paragraphs 4 and 4a would expose the beneficial owner to the risk of fraud , kidnapping , blackmail , violence or intimidation , or where the beneficial owner is a minor or otherwise incapable , member states may provide for an exemption from such access to all or part of the information on the beneficial ownership on a case - by - case basis . ### “7a . in exceptional circumstances laid down in national law , where the access referred to in paragraphs 4 and 4a would expose the beneficial owner to the risk of kidnapping , blackmail , violence or intimidation , in particular when the beneficial owner is a minor or otherwise incapable , member states may provide for an exemption from such access to all or part of the information on the beneficial ownership on a case - by - case basis . exemptions shall never be indefinite and shall be reassessed at regular intervals .


### “10 . for the purposes of this article , a trust is considered to be administered in each member state where the trustees are established” ; ### “10 . for the purposes of this article , a trust is considered to be created , administered or to operate in a member state when it : is created according to , or governed by , the law of that member state or has its ultimate court of appeal in the jurisdiction of that member state ; or is connected to thatr member state by : having one or more of the beneficial owners of the trust , as defined in article 3 , resident in that member state ; ii . holding real estate in that member state ; iii . holding shares or voting rights or ownership interest in a legal entity incorporated in that member state ; or iv ) holding a bank or payment account in a credit institution operating in that member state . ” ;


### there is a need to provide business statistics structured by sector of activity , in order to measure the productivity of businesses in the union . in particular , there is an increasing demand of statistics on the services sector , which is the most dynamic sector of modern economies , especially in terms of that sector ' s potential for growth and employment creation and taking into account the relations with the manufacturing sector . statistics on trade in services are essential for monitoring the functioning of the internal market for services and assessing the impact of barriers on trade in services . ### there is a need to provide business statistics structured by sector of activity , in order to measure the productivity of businesses in the union . in particular , there is an increasing demand of statistics on the services sector , which is the most dynamic sector of modern economies , especially in terms of that sector ' s potential for growth and employment creation and taking into account the relations with the manufacturing sector . new digital services further enhance this trend . statistics on trade in services are essential for monitoring the functioning of the internal market for services and the digital single market and assessing the impact of barriers on trade in services .


### statistics on innovation , research and development activities are needed for the development and monitoring of policies that aim to strengthen the competitiveness of member states and increase their medium and long term potential for smart growth and employment . an expanding digital economy and the increased use of information and communication technologies are also among the important drivers of competitiveness and growth in the union , and statistical data are needed to support the related strategies and policies . ### statistics on innovation , research and development activities are needed for the development and monitoring of policies that aim to strengthen the competitiveness of member states and increase their medium and long term potential for smart growth and employment . an expanding digital economy and the increased use of information and communication technologies are also among the important drivers of competitiveness and growth in the union , and statistical data are needed to support the related strategies and policies , including the completion of the digital single market .


### where appropriate the commission should conduct cost - benefit analysis and ensure any action it puts forward does not impose a significant additional burden on member states or respondents taking into account the expected user benefits . ### where appropriate the commission should conduct cost - benefit analysis and ensure any action it puts forward does not impose a significant additional burden on member states or respondents , in particular for smes , taking into account the expected user benefits and increase in statistical quality .


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt implementing acts specifying the modalities , content and deadlines for the transmission of the metadata and quality reports . these implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 22 . ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt implementing acts specifying the modalities , content and deadlines for the transmission of the metadata and quality reports . these implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 22 . while preparing such implementing acts the commission shall asses any increase or reduction of costs or administrative burden on member states or the respondents together with the projected increase of statistical quality and any other direct or indirect benefit resulting from the additional proposed action .


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in articles 5 , 6 , 9 and 12 shall be conferred on the commission for an indeterminate period of time . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in articles 5 , 6 , 9 and 12 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of five years , to be extended for periods of an identical duration , unless the european parliament or the council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period .


### member states shall make practical arrangements facilitating the search for documents available for re - use , such as asset lists of main documents with relevant metadata , accessible where possible and appropriate online and in machine - readable format , and portal sites that are linked to the asset lists . where possible member states shall facilitate the cross - linguistic search for documents . ### member states shall make practical arrangements facilitating the search for documents available for re - use , such as asset lists of main documents with relevant metadata , accessible where possible and appropriate online and in machine - readable format , portal sites that are linked to the asset lists and authentication tools . where possible member states shall facilitate the cross - linguistic search for documents .


### in article 5 the second and third subparagraphs are deleted . ### in article 5 the second subparagraph is deleted .


### information on the involvement of criminal groups in the manufacture and distribution of the new psychoactive substance ; ### information on the involvement of criminal groups in the development , manufacture and distribution of the new psychoactive substance ;


### when the centre collects information on several new psychoactive substances with similar chemical structure , it shall submit to the commission and the council individual initial reports or combined reports dealing with several new psychoactive substances , provided that the characteristics of each new psychoactive substance are clearly identified , within six weeks from the launch of the initial report . ### when the centre collects information on several new psychoactive substances that it considers to be of similar chemical structure , it shall submit to the commission and the council individual initial reports or combined reports dealing with several new psychoactive substances , provided that the characteristics of each new psychoactive substance are clearly identified , within six weeks from the launch of the initial report .


### an analysis of the social risks associated with the new psychoactive substance , in particular its impact on social functioning , public order and criminal activities , the involvement of criminal groups in the manufacture and distribution of the new psychoactive substance ; ### an analysis of the social risks associated with the new psychoactive substance , in particular its impact on social functioning , public order and criminal activities , the involvement of criminal groups in the development , manufacture and distribution of the new psychoactive substance ;


### a key based on the size of the population and of the economy of the member states should be applied as a point of reference in the operation of the corrective allocation mechanism in conjunction with a threshold , so as to enable the mechanism to function as a means of assisting member states under disproportionate pressure . the application of the corrective allocation for the benefit of a member state should be triggered automatically where the number of applications for international protection for which a member state is responsible exceeds 150% of the figure identified in the reference key . in order to comprehensively reflect the efforts of each member state , the number of persons effectively resettled to that member state should be added to the number of applications for international protection for the purposes of this calculation . ### a key based on the size of the population and of the economy of the member states should be applied as a point of reference in the operation of the corrective allocation mechanism in conjunction with a threshold , so as to enable the mechanism to function as a means of assisting member states under disproportionate pressure . the application of the corrective allocation for the benefit of a member state should be triggered automatically , but also taking into account a wish of preference of the applicant especially if motivated by familiar reunification where the number of applications for international protection for which a member state is responsible exceeds 150% of the figure identified in the reference key . in order to comprehensively reflect the efforts of each member state , the number of persons effectively resettled to that member state should be added to the number of applications for international protection for the purposes of this calculation . the category of unaccompanied minors should require particular attention and a distinct key should be determined for them with the same calculation formula .


### a key based on the size of the population and of the economy of the member states should be applied as a point of reference in the operation of the corrective allocation mechanism in conjunction with a threshold , so as to enable the mechanism to function as a means of assisting member states under disproportionate pressure . the application of the corrective allocation for the benefit of a member state should be triggered automatically where the number of applications for international protection for which a member state is responsible exceeds 150% of the figure identified in the reference key . in order to comprehensively reflect the efforts of each member state , the number of persons effectively resettled to that member state should be added to the number of applications for international protection for the purposes of this calculation . ### a key based on the size of the population and of the economy of the member states , and on the unemployment rate and the degree of stability in neighbouring third countries , should be applied as a point of reference in the operation of the corrective allocation mechanism in conjunction with a threshold , so as to enable the mechanism to function as a means of assisting member states under disproportionate pressure . the application of the corrective allocation for the benefit of a member state should be triggered automatically where the number of applications for international protection for which a member state is responsible exceeds 150% of the figure identified in the reference key . in order to comprehensively reflect the efforts of each member state , the number of persons effectively resettled to that member state should be added to the number of applications for international protection for the purposes of this calculation .


### the personal interview shall be conducted in a language that the applicant understands or is reasonably supposed to understand and in which he or she is able to communicate . where necessary , member states shall have recourse to an interpreter who is able to ensure appropriate communication between the applicant and the person conducting the personal interview . ### the personal interview shall be conducted in a language that the applicant understands or is reasonably supposed to understand and in which he or she is able to communicate , and , when necessary , in a child - friendly manner . where necessary , member states shall have recourse to an interpreter who is able to ensure appropriate communication between the applicant and the person conducting the personal interview .


### family reunification possibilities ; ### the preservation of family life , including family reunification possibilities ;


### in the absence of a family member or a relative as referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 , the member state responsible shall be that where the unaccompanied minor first has lodged his or her application for international protection , unless it is demonstrated that this is not in the best interests of the minor . ### in the absence of a family member or a relative as referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 , the member state responsible shall be that where the unaccompanied minor is present and has lodged an asylum application , provided that this is in the best interests of the minor .


### with 1 . 8% of eu gdp , down from 2 . 2% in 2009 , infrastructure investment activities in the union in 2016 were about 20% below investment rates before the global financial crisis . thus , while a recovery in investment - to - gdp ratios in the union can be observed , it remains below what might be expected in a strong recovery period and is insufficient to compensate years of underinvestment . more importantly , the current investment levels and forecasts do not cover the union ' s structural investment needs in the face of technological change and global competitiveness , including for innovation , skills , infrastructure , small and medium - sized enterprises and the need to address key societal challenges such as sustainability or population ageing . consequently , continued support is necessary to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors to achieve the union ' s policy objectives . ### with 1 . 8% of eu gdp , down from 2 . 2% in 2009 , infrastructure investment activities in the union in 2016 were about 20% below investment rates before the global financial crisis . thus , while a recovery in investment - to - gdp ratios in the union can be observed , it remains below what might be expected in a strong recovery period and is insufficient to compensate years of underinvestment . more importantly , the current investment levels and forecasts do not cover the union ' s structural investment needs in the face of technological change and global competitiveness , including for innovation , skills , infrastructure , small and medium - sized enterprises , green investments and the need to address key societal challenges such as sustainability or population ageing . consequently , continued support is necessary to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors , to reduce disparities in the level of development and to achieve the union ' s policy objectives .


### with 1 . 8% of eu gdp , down from 2 . 2% in 2009 , infrastructure investment activities in the union in 2016 were about 20% below investment rates before the global financial crisis . thus , while a recovery in investment - to - gdp ratios in the union can be observed , it remains below what might be expected in a strong recovery period and is insufficient to compensate years of underinvestment . more importantly , the current investment levels and forecasts do not cover the union ' s structural investment needs in the face of technological change and global competitiveness , including for innovation , skills , infrastructure , small and medium - sized enterprises and the need to address key societal challenges such as sustainability or population ageing . consequently , continued support is necessary to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors to achieve the union ' s policy objectives . ### with 1 . 8% of eu gdp , down from 2 . 2% in 2009 , infrastructure investment activities in the union in 2016 were about 20% below investment rates before the global financial crisis . thus , while a recovery in investment - to - gdp ratios in the union can be observed , it remains below what might be expected in a strong recovery period and is insufficient to compensate years of underinvestment . more importantly , the current investment levels and forecasts do not cover the union ' s structural investment needs in the face of technological change and global competitiveness , including for innovation , skills , infrastructure , micro - enterprises , small and medium - sized enterprises and organisations , particularly from the cultural and creative sector , and the need to address key societal challenges such as sustainability or population ageing . consequently , continued support is necessary to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors to achieve the union ' s policy objectives .


### with 1 . 8% of eu gdp , down from 2 . 2% in 2009 , infrastructure investment activities in the union in 2016 were about 20% below investment rates before the global financial crisis . thus , while a recovery in investment - to - gdp ratios in the union can be observed , it remains below what might be expected in a strong recovery period and is insufficient to compensate years of underinvestment . more importantly , the current investment levels and forecasts do not cover the union ' s structural investment needs in the face of technological change and global competitiveness , including for innovation , skills , infrastructure , small and medium - sized enterprises and the need to address key societal challenges such as sustainability or population ageing . consequently , continued support is necessary to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors to achieve the union ' s policy objectives . ### with 1 . 8% of eu gdp , down from 2 . 2% in 2009 , infrastructure investment activities in the union in 2016 were about 20% below investment rates before the global financial crisis , sometimes with serious consequences . thus , while a recovery in investment - to - gdp ratios in the union can be observed , it remains below what might be expected in a strong recovery period and is insufficient to compensate years of underinvestment . more importantly , the current investment levels and forecasts do not cover the union ' s structural investment needs in the face of technological change and global competitiveness , including for innovation , skills , infrastructure , small and medium - sized enterprises and the need to address key societal challenges such as sustainability , growing inequality&#160 ; or population ageing . consequently , continued support is necessary to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors to achieve the union ' s policy objectives .


### the investeu fund should contribute to improving the competitiveness of the union , including in the field of innovation and digitisation , the sustainability of the union ' s economic growth , the social resilience and inclusiveness and the integration of the union capital markets , including solutions addressing their fragmentation and diversifying sources of financing for the union enterprises . to that end , it should support projects that are technically and economically viable by providing a framework for the use of debt , risk sharing and equity instruments underpinned by a guarantee from the union ' s budget and by contributions from implementing partners . it should be demand - driven while support under the investeu fund should at the same time focus on contributing to meeting policy objectives of the union . ### the investeu fund should be geared to social , economic and territorial cohesion and be capable of helping to increase aggregate demand and carry out investments in sustainable infrastructure . furthermore , it should contribute to improving the competitiveness of the union , including in the field of innovation and digitisation , the sustainability of the union ' s economic growth , the social resilience and inclusiveness and the integration of the union capital markets , including solutions addressing their fragmentation and diversifying sources of financing for the union enterprises . to that end , it should support the dual value of cultural and creative sectors , projects that are technically , economically and socially viable by providing a framework for the use of debt , risk sharing and equity instruments underpinned by a guarantee from the union ' s budget and by contributions from implementing partners , through the creation of quality jobs and the broadening and improvement of the productive base of member states . it should be demand - driven while support under the investeu fund should at the same time focus on contributing to meeting policy objectives of the union .


### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , the investeu programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the union budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under the investeu programme are expected to contribute 30 % of the overall financial envelope of the investeu programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the investeu programme ' s preparation and implementation and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes . ### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , the investeu programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 30 % of the union budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . at least 30% of the overall financial envelop of the investeu is expected to contribute to climate objectives . actions under the investeu programme are expected to contribute 30 % of the overall financial envelope of the investeu programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the investeu programme ' s preparation and implementation and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes .


### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , the investeu programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the union budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under the investeu programme are expected to contribute 30 % of the overall financial envelope of the investeu programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the investeu programme ' s preparation and implementation and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes . ### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , the investeu programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the union budget expenditures supporting climate objectives over the mff 2021 - 2027 period and an annual target of 30 % as soon as possible and at the latest by 2027 . actions under the investeu programme are expected to contribute 30 % of the overall financial envelope of the investeu programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the investeu programme ' s preparation and implementation and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes .


### low infrastructure investment rates in the union during the financial crisis undermined the union ' s ability to boost sustainable growth , competitiveness and convergence . sizeable investments in the european infrastructure are fundamental to meet the union ' s sustainability targets , including the 2030 energy and climate targets . accordingly , support from the investeu fund should target investments into transport , energy , including energy efficiency and renewable energy , environmental , climate action , maritime and digital infrastructure . to maximise the impact and the value added of union financing support , it is appropriate to promote a streamlined investment process enabling visibility of the project pipeline and consistency across relevant union programmes . bearing in mind security threats , investment projects receiving union support should take into account principles for the protection of citizens in public spaces . this should be complementary to the efforts made by other union funds such as the european regional development fund providing support for security components of investments in public spaces , transport , energy and other critical infrastructure . ### low infrastructure investment rates in the union during the financial crisis undermined the union ' s ability to boost prosperity , sustainable growth , competitiveness and convergence . sizeable investments in the european infrastructure are fundamental to meet the union ' s sustainability targets , including the 2030 and 2050 energy and climate targets . accordingly , support from the investeu fund should target investments into transport , including upgrading of the existing infrastructure with particular focus on safety and security , energy , including energy efficiency and renewable energy , environmental , climate action , maritime and digital infrastructure . to maximise the impact and the value added of union financing support , it is appropriate to promote a streamlined investment process enabling visibility of the project pipeline , consistency and complementarities across relevant union programmes , avoiding overlaps . bearing in mind security threats , investment projects receiving union support should take into account principles for the protection of citizens in public spaces . this should be complementary to the efforts made by other union funds such as the european regional development fund providing support for security components of investments in public spaces , transport , energy and other critical infrastructure .


### low infrastructure investment rates in the union during the financial crisis undermined the union ' s ability to boost sustainable growth , competitiveness and convergence . sizeable investments in the european infrastructure are fundamental to meet the union ' s sustainability targets , including the 2030 energy and climate targets . accordingly , support from the investeu fund should target investments into transport , energy , including energy efficiency and renewable energy , environmental , climate action , maritime and digital infrastructure . to maximise the impact and the value added of union financing support , it is appropriate to promote a streamlined investment process enabling visibility of the project pipeline and consistency across relevant union programmes . bearing in mind security threats , investment projects receiving union support should take into account principles for the protection of citizens in public spaces . this should be complementary to the efforts made by other union funds such as the european regional development fund providing support for security components of investments in public spaces , transport , energy and other critical infrastructure . ### low infrastructure investment rates in the union during the financial crisis undermined the union ' s ability to boost sustainable growth , competitiveness and convergence . the relatively weak performance of the infrastructure window under efsi indicates the low demand side of the market to invest in infrastructures , especially cross - border infrastructures , despite the availability of supply - side instruments . sizeable investments in the european infrastructure are fundamental to meet the union ' s sustainability targets , including the 2030 energy and climate targets . accordingly , support from the investeu fund should target investments into transport , energy , including energy efficiency and renewable energy , environmental , climate action , including renewable materials , maritime and digital infrastructure . to maximise the impact and the value added of union financing support , it is appropriate to promote a streamlined investment process enabling visibility of the project pipeline and consistency across relevant union programmes . bearing in mind security threats , investment projects receiving union support should take into account principles for the protection of citizens in public spaces . this should be complementary to the efforts made by other union funds such as the european regional development fund providing support for security components of investments in public spaces , transport , energy and other critical infrastructure .


### low infrastructure investment rates in the union during the financial crisis undermined the union ' s ability to boost sustainable growth , competitiveness and convergence . sizeable investments in the european infrastructure are fundamental to meet the union ' s sustainability targets , including the 2030 energy and climate targets . accordingly , support from the investeu fund should target investments into transport , energy , including energy efficiency and renewable energy , environmental , climate action , maritime and digital infrastructure . to maximise the impact and the value added of union financing support , it is appropriate to promote a streamlined investment process enabling visibility of the project pipeline and consistency across relevant union programmes . bearing in mind security threats , investment projects receiving union support should take into account principles for the protection of citizens in public spaces . this should be complementary to the efforts made by other union funds such as the european regional development fund providing support for security components of investments in public spaces , transport , energy and other critical infrastructure . ### low infrastructure investment rates in the union during the financial crisis undermined the union ' s ability to boost sustainable growth , competitiveness and convergence . sizeable investments in the european infrastructure are fundamental to meet the sustainability targets of the union and its member states , including the 2030 energy and climate targets as well as the objectives adopted in the paris agreement . accordingly , support from the investeu fund should target investments into clean transport , energy , especially energy efficiency and renewable energy , environmental , climate action , maritime and digital infrastructure , with particular attention for vital infrastructural and social investments related to the transformation of regions in transition . in this context , synergy should also be sought , in so far as possible , with regional and national policy objectives , such as the removal of asbestos from roofs , homes and soil . to maximise the impact and the value added of union financing support , it is appropriate to promote a streamlined investment process enabling visibility of the project pipeline and consistency across relevant union programmes . bearing in mind security threats , investment projects receiving union support should take into account principles for the protection of citizens in public spaces . this should be complementary to the efforts made by other union funds such as the european regional development fund providing support for security components of investments in public spaces , transport , energy and other critical infrastructure .