### statistical data reported by member states are essential for the commission to assess compliance with waste legislation across the member states . the quality , reliability and comparability of statistics should be improved by introducing a single entry point for all waste data , deleting obsolete reporting requirements , benchmarking national reporting methodologies and introducing a data quality check report . reliable reporting of statistical data concerning waste management is paramount to efficient implementation and to ensuring comparability of data among member states . therefore , when preparing the reports on compliance with the targets set out in directive 19991 / 31 / ec , member states should be required to use the most recent methodology developed by the commission and the national statistical offices of the member states . ### statistical data reported by member states are essential for the commission to assess compliance with waste legislation across the member states . the quality , reliability and comparability of statistics should be improved by introducing a single entry point for all waste data , deleting obsolete reporting requirements , benchmarking national reporting methodologies , introducing a data quality check report and feedback system . reliable reporting of statistical data concerning waste management is paramount to efficient implementation and to ensuring comparability of data among member states . therefore , when preparing the reports on compliance with the targets set out in directive 19991 / 31 / ec , member states should be required to use the most recent methodology developed by the commission and the national statistical offices of the member states .


### in order to supplement or amend directive 1999 / 31 / ec , in particular with the view to adapting its annexes to scientific and technical progress , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty should be delegated to the commission in respect of article 16 . it is particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing - up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council . any amendments to the annexes should only be made in line with the principles laid down in this directive . to this end , as regards annex ii , the commission should take into account the general principles and general procedures for testing and acceptance criteria as set out in annex ii . moreover , specific criteria and test methods and associated limit values should be set for each class of landfill , including if necessary specific types of landfill within each class , including underground storage . proposals for the standardisation of control , sampling and analysis methods in relation to the annexes should be considered for adoption by the commission where appropriate within two years after the entry into force of this directive . ### in order to supplement or amend directive 1999 / 31 / ec , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty should be delegated to the commission with regard to the adaptation of the annexes to scientific and technical progress . it is of particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level , and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement on better law - making of 13 april 2016 . in particular , to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the european parliament and the council receive all documents at the same time as member states ' experts , and their experts systematically should have access to meetings of commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts . any amendments to the annexes should only be made in line with the principles laid down in this directive . to this end , as regards annex ii , the commission should take into account the general principles and general procedures for testing and acceptance criteria as set out in annex ii . moreover , specific criteria and test methods and associated limit values should be set for each class of landfill , including if necessary specific types of landfill within each class , including underground storage . where appropriate , proposals for the standardisation of control , sampling and analysis methods in relation to the annexes should be considered for adoption by the commission where appropriate within two years after the entry into force of this directive .


### in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of directive 1999 / 31 / ec , implementing powers should be conferred on the commission in respect of articles 3 , annex i , paragraph 3 . 5 and annex ii , paragraph 5 . those powers should be exercised in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council17 . __________________ 17 regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 february 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by member states of the commission’s exercise of implementing powers . ### in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of directive 1999 / 31 / ec , implementing powers should be conferred on the commission with regard to the definition of deposit of non - hazardous waste , the method to be used for the determination of the permeability coefficient for landfills under certain conditions and the development of a european standard for the sampling of waste , because sampling of waste may pose serious problems with respect to representation and techniques owing to the heterogeneous nature of different types of waste . those powers should be exercised in accordance with regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council17 . __________________ 17 regulation no 182 / 2011 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 february 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by member states of the commission’s exercise of implementing powers .


### the definitions of ' waste ' , ' municipal waste ' , ' hazardous waste ' , ' waste producer ' , ' waste holder ' , ' waste management ' , ' separate collection ' , ' recovery ' , ' recycling ' and ' disposal ' laid down in article 3 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec of the european parliament and of the council shall apply ; __________________ directive 2008 / 98 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 19 november 2008 on waste and repealing certain directives . ' ; ### the definitions of ' waste ' , ' municipal waste ' , ' hazardous waste ' , ' non - hazardous waste ' , ' waste producer ' , ' waste holder ' , ' waste management ' , ' separate collection ' , ' recovery ' , ' recycling ' and ' disposal ' laid down in article 3 of directive 2008 / 98 / ec of the european parliament and of the council shall apply ; __________________ directive 2008 / 98 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 19 november 2008 on waste and repealing certain directives . ' ;


### without prejudice to directive 75 / 442 / eec member states may declare at their own option , that the deposit of non - hazardous waste , to be defined by the committee established under article 17 of this directive , other than inert waste , resulting from prospecting and extraction , treatment and storage of mineral resources as well as from the operation of quarries and which are deposited in a manner preventing environmental pollution or harm to human health , can be exempted from the provisions in annex i , points 2 , 3 . 1 , 3 . 2 and 3 . 3 of this directive . ### in article 3 , paragraph 3 is amended as follows : ' 3 . without prejudice to directive 75 / 442 / eec member states may declare at their own option , that the deposit of non - hazardous waste , other than inert waste , resulting from prospecting and extraction , treatment and storage of mineral resources as well as from the operation of quarries and which are deposited in a manner preventing environmental pollution or harm to human health , can be exempted from the provisions in annex i , points 2 , 3 . 1 , 3 . 2 and 3 . 3 of this directive . the commission shall define by means of implementing acts what constitutes a deposit of non - hazardous waste , assisted by the committee established under article 17 of this directive . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 17 . '


### member states shall report the data concerning the implementation of article 5 and for each calendar year to the commission . they shall report this data electronically within 18 months of the end of the reporting year for which the data are collected . the data shall be reported in the format established by the commission in accordance with paragraph 5 . the first reporting shall cover the data for the period from 1 january [ enter year of transposition of this directive + 1 year ] to 31 december [ enter year of transposition of this directive + 1 year ] . ### member states shall report the data concerning the implementation of article 5 and and for each calendar year to the commission . they shall report this data electronically within 18 months of the end of the reporting year for which the data are collected . the data shall be reported in the format established by the commission in accordance with paragraph 5 . the first reporting shall cover the data for the period from 1 january [ enter year of transposition of this directive + 1 year ] to 31 december [ enter year of transposition of this directive + 1 year ] .


### the purpose of the efsi should be to help resolve the difficulties in financing and implementing productive investments in the union and to ensure increased access to financing . it is intended that increased access to financing should be of particular benefit to small and medium enterprises . it is also appropriate to extend the benefit of such increased access to financing to mid - cap companies , which are companies having up to 3000 employees . overcoming europe ' s current investment difficulties should contribute to strengthening the union ' s economic , social and territorial cohesion . ### the purpose of the efsi should be to relaunch economic growth and create high - quality jobs in the union by supporting investments and by helping resolve the difficulties in financing and implementing productive investments in the union and to ensure increased access to financing . it is intended that increased access to financing should be of particular benefit to small and medium enterprises . it is also appropriate to extend the benefit of such increased access to financing to mid - cap companies , which are companies having up to 3000 employees . overcoming europe ' s current investment difficulties should contribute to strengthening the union ' s economic , social and territorial cohesion .


### decisions on the use of the efsi support for infrastructure and large mid - cap projects should be made by an investment committee . the investment committee should be composed of independent experts who are knowledgeable and experienced in the areas of investment projects . the investment committee should be accountable to a steering board of the efsi , who should supervise the fulfilment of the efsi ' s objectives . to effectively benefit from the experience of the eif , the efsi should support funding to the eif to allow the eif to undertake individual projects in the areas of small and medium enterprises and small mid - cap companies . ### decisions on the use of the efsi support for infrastructure and large mid - cap projects should be made by an investment committee . the investment committee should be composed of independent experts who are knowledgeable and experienced in the areas of investment projects . at least one of the committee members must be a specialist in social and labour - market policies and therefore is responsible for assessing the social impact of submitted projects . the investment committee should be accountable to a steering board of the efsi , who should supervise the fulfilment of the efsi ' s objectives . to effectively benefit from the experience of the eif , the efsi should support funding to the eif to allow the eif to undertake individual projects in the areas of small and medium enterprises and small mid - cap companies .


### decisions on the use of the efsi support for infrastructure and large mid - cap projects should be made by an investment committee . the investment committee should be composed of independent experts who are knowledgeable and experienced in the areas of investment projects . the investment committee should be accountable to a steering board of the efsi , who should supervise the fulfilment of the efsi ' s objectives . to effectively benefit from the experience of the eif , the efsi should support funding to the eif to allow the eif to undertake individual projects in the areas of small and medium enterprises and small mid - cap companies . ### decisions on the use of the efsi support for infrastructure and large mid - cap projects should be made by an investment committee . the investment committee should be composed of independent experts who are knowledgeable and experienced in the areas of investment projects . the investment committee should be accountable to a steering board of the efsi , who should supervise the fulfilment of the efsi ' s objectives . these two bodies also should , at their respective levels , support the development of investment platforms . to effectively benefit from the experience of the eif , the efsi should support funding to the eif to allow the eif to undertake individual projects in the areas of small and medium enterprises and small mid - cap companies .


### the efsi agreement shall provide that the efsi shall be governed by a steering board , which shall determine the strategic orientation , the strategic asset allocation and operating policies and procedures , including the investment policy of projects that efsi can support and the risk profile of the efsi , in conformity with the objectives under article 5 . the steering board shall elect one of its members to be chairperson . ### the efsi agreement shall provide that the efsi shall be governed by a steering board , which shall determine the strategic orientation , the strategic asset allocation and operating policies and procedures , including the investment policy of projects that efsi can support and the risk profile of the efsi , in conformity with the objectives under article 5 . the steering board shall be appointed following an open and transparent selection procedure . the steering board shall elect one of its members to be chairperson .


### the efsi agreement shall provide that the efsi shall be governed by a steering board , which shall determine the strategic orientation , the strategic asset allocation and operating policies and procedures , including the investment policy of projects that efsi can support and the risk profile of the efsi , in conformity with the objectives under article 5 . the steering board shall elect one of its members to be chairperson . ### the efsi agreement shall provide that the efsi shall be governed by a steering board , which shall determine the strategic orientation , the strategic asset allocation and operating policies and procedures , including the investment policy of projects that efsi can support and the risk profile and&#160 ; number of foreseen jobs to be created&#160 ; of the efsi , in conformity with the objectives under article 5 . the steering board shall elect one of its members to be chairperson .


### investment in education and training , health , research and development , information and communications technology and innovation ; ### investment in education and training , health , research and development , information and communications technology , innovation , social services , social economy and social enterprises ;


### investment in education and training , health , research and development , information and communications technology and innovation ; ### investment in education and training , health , social and long - term care services , research and development , information and communications technology and innovation ;


### infrastructure projects in the environmental , natural resources , urban development and social fields ; ### infrastructure projects in the environmental , natural resources , urban development and social economy fields ;


### the eib , in cooperation with the eif as appropriate , shall report semi - annually to the commission on eib financing and investment operations under this regulation . the report shall include an assessment of compliance with the requirements on the use of the eu guarantee and the key performance indicators established pursuant to article 2 . the report shall also include statistical , financial and accounting data on each eib financing and investment operation and on an aggregated basis . ### the eib and the efsi investment committee , in cooperation with the eif as appropriate , shall report semi - annually to the commission , the council and the european parliament&#160 ; on eib and efsi&#160 ; financing and investment operations under this regulation . the report shall include an assessment of compliance with the requirements on the use of the eu guarantee and the key performance indicators established pursuant to article 2 . the report shall also include statistical , financial and accounting data on each eib financing and investment operation and on an aggregated basis . the report should also include a detailed qualitative&#160 ; assessment of the operations concerned as defined in article 5 .


### control at external borders remains one of the main safeguards of the area without controls at internal borders . it is carried out in the interest of all member states . one of the purposes of such controls is to prevent any threat to the member states ' internal security and public policy , irrespectively of the origin of such threat . ### control at external borders remains one of the main safeguards of the area without controls at internal borders . it is carried out in the interest of all member states . one of the purposes of such controls is to prevent any threat to the member states ' internal security and public policy , irrespective of the origin of such threat , including where such threats derive from union citizens .


### in order to ensure that the union continues to fulfil its obligations under the gfcm agreement , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty should be delegated to the commission concerning authorisations to derogate from the prohibition to harvest red coral at depths less than 50 m and to depart from the minimum basal diameter of red coral colonies . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council . ### in order to ensure that the union continues to fulfil its obligations under the gfcm agreement , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty should be delegated to the commission concerning authorisations to derogate from the prohibition to harvest red coral at depths less than 50 m and to depart from the minimum basal diameter of red coral colonies . the commission shall in all cases take into account any measures and national management plan / s that the member states themselves may have already adopted in response to the recommendations of the gfcm . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council .


### masters of fishing vessels shall promptly release unharmed and alive sea turtles incidentally taken in fishing gears back to the sea . ### specimens of sea turtles accidentally taken in fishing gears shall be safely handled and released unharmed and alive , to the extent this is possible .


### masters of fishing vessels shall promptly return to the sea cetaceans incidentally caught in fishing gears . ### specimens of cetaceans accidentally taken in fishing gears shall be safely handled and released unharmed and alive , to the extent this is possible


### masters of fishing vessels having accidentally taken specimens of monk seals in their fishing gears shall promptly release them unharmed and alive . the carcass of dead specimens shall be landed and shall be seized and destroyed by the national authorities . ### specimens of monk seals accidentally taken in fishing gears shall be released unharmed and alive . should it be already dead , the carcass shall be landed and the national authorities notified at the latest upon arrival at port .


### the commission shall transmit the information referred to in paragraph 1 to the executive secretary of the gfcm by 15 december of each year . ### the commission shall transmit the information referred to in paragraph 1 to the executive secretary of the gfcm by 31 december of each year .


### it is necessary to specify in this regulation the basis for the collection and storage of data on the storage medium of identity cards and residence documents . in accordance with their national legislation or union law , member states may store other data on a storage medium for electronic services or other purposes relating to the identity card or residence document . the processing of such data including their collection and the purposes for which they can be used should be authorised by national or union law . all national data should be physically or logically separated from biometric data referred to in this regulation . ### it is necessary to specify in this regulation the basis for the collection and storage of data on the storage medium of identity cards and residence documents . in accordance with their national legislation or union law , member states may store other data on a storage medium for electronic services or other purposes relating to the identity card or residence document . the processing of such data including their collection and the purposes for which they can be used should be authorised by national or union law . all national data should be physically or logically separated from biometric data referred to in this regulation . when entering and storing extra data in accordance with their national legislation or union law , member states should have performed a thorough data protection impact assessment , with a focus on processing of special categories of personal data . member states should explicitly inform the applicants for documents , in written form and with an exhaustive list , about all the possible extra data stored .


### identity cards which do not meet the requirements of article 3 shall cease to be valid at their expiry or by five years after [ the date of application of the regulation ] , whichever is earlier . however , identity cards which do not include a functional machine - readable zone compliant with icao document 9303 part 3 shall cease to be valid at their expiry or by two years after [ the date of application of this regulation ] , whichever is earlier . ### identity cards which do not meet the requirements of article 3 shall be valid until the end of their validity period .


### no sooner than six years after the date of application of this regulation , the commission shall carry out an evaluation of this regulation and present a report on the main findings to the european parliament , the council and the european economic and social committee . the evaluation shall be conducted according to the commission ' s better regulation guidelines . ### no sooner than six years after the date of application of this regulation , the commission shall carry out an evaluation of this regulation and present a report on the main findings to the european parliament , the council and the european economic and social committee , with a special focus on the impact on fundamental rights of european citizens . the evaluation shall be conducted according to the commission ' s better regulation guidelines .


### regulation 2017 / 1939 requires the office , as well as all institutions , bodies , offices and agencies of the union and competent national authorities , to report to the eppo without undue delay criminal conduct in respect of which the eppo may exercise its competence . since the mandate of the office is to carry out administrative investigations into fraud , corruption and any other illegal activity affecting the financial interest of the union , it is ideally placed and equipped to act as a natural partner and privileged source of information for the eppo . ### regulation 2017 / 1939 requires the office , as well as all institutions , bodies , offices and agencies of the union and competent national authorities , to report to the eppo without undue delay suspected criminal conduct in respect of which the eppo may exercise its competence . since the mandate of the office is to carry out administrative investigations into fraud , corruption and any other illegal activity affecting the financial interest of the union , it is ideally placed and equipped to act as a natural partner and privileged source of information for the eppo .


### in conformity with regulation 2017 / 1939 , the office should in principle not open an administrative investigation parallel to an investigation conducted by the eppo into the same facts . however , in certain cases , the protection of the union’s financial interests may require that the office carry out a complementary administrative investigation before the conclusion of criminal proceedings initiated by the eppo with the purpose of ascertaining whether precautionary measures are necessary , or financial , disciplinary or administrative action should be taken . these complementary investigations may be appropriate , inter alia , when necessary to recover amounts due to the union budget subject to specific time - barring rules , when the amounts at risk are very high , or where there is the need to avoid further expenditure in risk situations through administrative measures . ### in conformity with regulation 2017 / 1939 , the office should not open an administrative investigation parallel to an investigation conducted by the eppo into the same facts , except in certain cases , when the protection of the union’s financial interests may require that the office carry out a complementary administrative investigation before the conclusion of criminal proceedings initiated by the eppo with the purpose of ascertaining whether precautionary measures are necessary , or financial , disciplinary or administrative action should be taken . these complementary investigations may be appropriate , inter alia , when necessary to recover amounts due to the union budget subject to specific time - barring rules , when the amounts at risk are very high , or where there is the need to avoid further expenditure in risk situations through administrative measures .


### it is necessary to address the most unambiguous findings of the commission evaluation through the amendment of regulation no 883 / 2013 . these are essential changes necessary in the short term to strengthen the framework for the office ' s investigations , in order to maintain a strong and fully - functioning office that complements the eppo ' s criminal law approach with administrative investigations , but which do not entail a change to the mandate or powers . they primarily concern areas where , today , the lack of clarity of the regulation hinders the effective conduct of investigations by the office , such as the conduct of on - the spot checks , the possibility of access to bank account information , or the admissibility as evidence of the case reports drawn up by the office . ### it is necessary to address the most unambiguous findings of the commission evaluation through the amendment of regulation no 883 / 2013 . these are essential changes necessary in the short term to strengthen the framework for the office ' s investigations , in order to maintain a strong and fully - functioning office that complements the eppo ' s criminal law approach with administrative investigations , but which do not entail a change to the mandate or powers . they primarily concern areas where , today , the lack of clarity of the regulation hinders the effective conduct of investigations by the office , such as the conduct of on - the spot checks , the possibility of access to bank account information , or the admissibility as evidence of the case reports drawn up by the office . in the medium - term , a more comprehensive amendment of regulation no 883 / 2013 would be necessary to modernise the framework of the office and address further shortcomings identified by the commission in its evaluation . the commission should submit a new , comprehensive proposal no later than two years after the evaluation of both the eppo and the office , and their cooperation .


### ‘ irregularity’ shall mean ‘ irregularity’ as defined in article 1 of regulation no 2988 / 95 ; ### - 1in article 2 , point is replaced by the following : ' ‘ irregularity’ shall mean ‘ irregularity’ as defined in article 1 of regulation no 2988 / 95 , including infringements affecting revenue from value - added tax ; '


### ‘ fraud , corruption and any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the union’ shall have the meaning applied to those words in the relevant union acts ; ### ' ‘ fraud , corruption and any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the union’ , which includes irregularities , shall have the meaning applied to those words in the relevant union acts ; '


### economic operators shall cooperate with the office in the course of its investigations . the office may request oral information , including through interviews , and written information from economic operators . ### economic operators shall be obliged to cooperate with the office in the course of its investigations . the office may request oral information , including through interviews , and written information from economic operators , duly documented and processed in accordance with confidentiality standards and data protection legislation .


### any special measures of confidentiality recommended , in particular in cases entailing the use of investigative measures falling within the competence of a national judicial authority or , in the case of an external investigation , within the competence of a national authority , in accordance with the national rules applicable to investigations . ### ' any special measures of confidentiality recommended , in particular in cases entailing the use of investigative measures falling within the competence of the eppo or a national judicial authority or other national authority , in accordance with the national rules applicable to investigations . '


### if an investigation cannot be closed within 12 months after it has been opened , the director - general shall , at the expiry of that 12 - month period and every six months thereafter , report to the supervisory committee , indicating the reasons and , where appropriate , the remedial measures envisaged with a view to speeding up the investigation . ; ### if an investigation cannot be closed within 12 months after it has been opened , the director - general shall , at the expiry of that 12 - month period and every six months thereafter , report to the supervisory committee , indicating the reasons and , where applicable , the remedial measures envisaged with a view to speeding up the investigation ;


### the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies shall transmit to the office without delay any information relating to possible cases of fraud , corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the union . ### ' 1 . the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies shall transmit to the office without delay any information relating to possible cases of fraud , corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the union . this duty shall apply to the eppo when the concerned cases do not fall under its mandate in accordance with chapter iv of regulation 2017 / 1939 . '


### upon simple verification of their authenticity , reports drawn up on that basis shall constitute admissible evidence in judicial proceedings of a non - criminal nature before national courts and in administrative proceedings in the member states . ### upon simple verification of their authenticity , reports drawn up on that basis including all evidence supporting and annexed to these reports shall constitute admissible evidence in judicial proceedings of a non - criminal nature before national courts and in administrative proceedings in the member states .


### the director - general shall not open an investigation in accordance with article 5 if the eppo is conducting an investigation into the same facts , other than in accordance with articles 12e or 12f . ### the director - general shall not open an investigation in accordance with article 5 , and shall discontinue an ongoing investigation , if the eppo is conducting an investigation into the same facts , other than in accordance with articles 12e or 12f . the director - general shall inform the eppo about each decision on not opening or discontinuation taken on such grounds .


### in duly justified cases where the eppo is conducting an investigation , where the director - general considers that an investigation should be opened in accordance with the mandate of the office with a view to facilitating the adoption of precautionary measures or of financial , disciplinary or administrative action , the office shall inform the eppo in writing , specifying the nature and purpose of the investigation . ### in duly justified cases where the eppo is conducting an investigation , where the director - general considers that an investigation should be opened or continued in accordance with the mandate of the office with a view to facilitating the adoption of precautionary measures or of financial , disciplinary or administrative action , the office shall inform the eppo in writing , specifying the nature and purpose of the investigation .


### within 30 days after receipt of this information the eppo may object to the opening of an investigation or to the performance of certain acts pertaining to the investigation , where necessary to avoid jeopardising its own investigation or prosecution , and for as long as these grounds persist . the eppo shall notify to the office without undue delay when the grounds for the objection cease to apply . ### within 30 days after receipt of this information the eppo may object to the opening or continuation of an investigation or to the performance of certain acts pertaining to the investigation , where necessary to avoid jeopardising its own investigation or prosecution , and for as long as these grounds persist . the eppo shall notify to the office without undue delay when the grounds for the objection cease to apply .


### the framework of the relations between the office and the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies , in particular the eppo . ; ### the framework of the relations between the office and the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies , in particular the eppo , and action taken on the office ' s final investigation reports and other information forwarded by the office ;


### the framework of the relations between the office and the competent authorities of the member states ; ### ' the framework of the relations between the office and the competent authorities of the member states and action taken by competent authorities in the member states on the office ‘ s final investigation reports and other information forwarded by the office ; '


### synergies between the eafrd and horizon europe should encourage that the eafrd makes the best use of research and innovation results , in particular those stemming from projects funded by horizon europe and the european innovation partnership for ‘ agricultural productivity and sustainability’ , leading to innovations in the farming sector and rural areas . ### synergies between the eafrd and horizon europe should encourage that the eafrd makes the best use of research and innovation results , in particular those stemming from projects funded by horizon europe and the european innovation partnership for ‘ agricultural productivity and sustainability’ , leading to innovations that have a direct positive impact in the farming sector and rural areas .


### in view of further improving the performance of the cap , income support should be targeted to genuine farmers . in order to ensure a common approach at union level for such a targeting of support , a framework definition for ‘ genuine farmer’ displaying the essential elements should be set out . on the basis of this framework , member states should define in their cap strategic plans which farmers are not considered genuine farmers based on conditions such as income tests , labour inputs on the farm , company object and inclusion in registers . it should also not result in precluding support to pluri - active farmers , who are actively farming but who are also engaged in non - agricultural activities outside their farm , as their multiple activities often strengthen the socio - economic fabric of rural areas . ### in view of further improving the relevance of the cap , income support should be targeted to farmers who are active in agricultural production . in order to ensure a common approach at union level for such a targeting of support , a framework definition for ‘ farmer active in agricultural production’ displaying the essential elements should be set out . on the basis of this framework , member states should define in their cap strategic plans which farmers are not considered farmers active in agricultural production based on conditions such as income tests , labour inputs on the farm , company object and inclusion in registers . it should also not result in precluding support to pluri - active farmers , who often strengthen the socio - economic fabric of rural areas .


### in order to give substance to the objectives of the cap as established by article 39 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , as well as to ensure that the union adequately addresses its most recent challenges , it is appropriate to provide for a set of general objectives reflecting the orientations given in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ . a set of specific objectives should be further defined at union level and applied by the member states in their cap strategic plans . while striking a balance across the dimensions of sustainable development , in line with the impact assessment , these specific objectives should translate the general objectives of the cap into more concrete priorities and take into account relevant union legislation , particularly with regard to climate , energy and environment . ### in order to give substance to the objectives of the cap as established by article 39 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , as well as to ensure that the union adequately addresses its most recent challenges and international undertakings , it is appropriate to provide for a set of general objectives reflecting the orientations given in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ . a set of specific objectives should be further defined at union level and applied by the member states in their cap strategic plans . in order to strike a balance across the dimensions of sustainable development , member states should strive to achieve all of these specific objectives for the cap for more concrete priorities and take into account relevant union legislation , particularly with regard to climate , energy and environment .


### a smarter , modernised and more sustainable cap needs to embrace research and innovation , in order to serve the multi - functionality of union agriculture , forestry and food systems , investing in technological development and digitalisation , as well as improving the access to impartial , sound , relevant and new knowledge . ### a more agroecological , modernised and more sustainable cap needs to embrace research and innovation , in order to serve the multi - functionality of union agriculture , forestry and food systems , investing in technological development and agroecological practices , as well as improving the access to and the sharing of impartial , sound , relevant and new knowledge .


### in order to foster a smart and resilient agricultural sector , direct payments keep on constituting an essential part to guarantee a fair income support to farmers . likewise , investments into farm restructuring , modernisation , innovation , diversification and uptake of new technologies are necessary to improve farmers’ market reward . ### in order to foster an agroecological and resilient agricultural sector , direct payments must be capped per active person working on the farm and made conditional on the introduction of positive practices in terms of social and environmental benefit . likewise , investments into farm restructuring , modernisation , innovation and diversification are necessary to improve farmers’ market reward .


### in the context of greater market - orientation of the cap , as outlined by the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ , market exposure , climate change and associated frequency and severity of extreme weather events , as well as sanitary and phytosanitary crises , may lead to risks of price volatility and increasing pressures on incomes . thus , although farmers are ultimately responsible for designing their on - farm strategies , a robust framework should be set up to ensure appropriate risk management . to this aim , member states and farmers may be able to draw on a union - level platform on risk management for capacity - building in order to provide farmers with adequate financial instruments for investments and access to working capital , training , knowledge transfer and advice . ### in the context of greater european market - orientation of the cap , as outlined by the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ , market exposure , climate change and associated frequency and severity of extreme weather events , as well as sanitary and phytosanitary crises , may lead to risks of price volatility and increasing pressures on incomes . thus , although farmers are ultimately responsible for designing their on - farm strategies to improve the resilience of their farms , a robust framework should be set up to ensure appropriate risk management . to this aim , member states and farmers may be able to draw on a union - level platform on risk management for capacity - building in order to provide farmers with access to working capital , training , knowledge transfer and advice .


### as many rural areas in the union suffer from structural problems such as lack of attractive employment opportunities , skill shortages , underinvestment in connectivity , infrastructures and essential services , as well as youth drain , it is fundamental to strengthen the socio - economic fabric in those areas , in line with the cork 2 . 0 . declaration , particularly through job creation and generational renewal , by bringing the commission ' s jobs and growth to rural areas , promoting social inclusion , generational renewal and the development of ‘ smart villages’ across the european countryside . as indicated in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ , new rural value chains such as renewable energy , the emerging bio - economy , the circular economy , and ecotourism can offer good growth and job potential for rural areas . in this context , financial instruments and the use of the investeu guarantee can play a crucial role for ensuring access to financing and for bolstering the growth capacity of farms and enterprises . there is a potential for employment opportunities in rural areas for legally staying third country nationals , promoting their social and economic integration especially in the framework of community - led local development strategies . ### as many rural areas in the union suffer from structural problems such as lack of attractive employment opportunities , skill shortages , underinvestment in connectivity , infrastructures and essential services , as well as youth drain , it is fundamental to strengthen the socio - economic fabric in those areas , in line with the cork 2 . 0 . declaration , particularly through job creation and generational renewal , by bringing the commission ' s jobs and growth to rural areas , promoting social inclusion , generational renewal , increased integration of women into the rural economy and the development of ‘ smart villages’ across the european countryside . as indicated in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ , new rural value chains such as renewable energy , the emerging bio - economy , the circular economy , and ecotourism can offer good growth and job potential for rural areas . in this context , financial instruments and the use of the investeu guarantee can play a crucial role for ensuring access to financing and for bolstering the growth capacity of farms and enterprises . there is a potential for employment opportunities in rural areas for legally staying third country nationals , promoting their social and economic integration especially in the framework of community - led local development strategies .


### building on the previous system of cross - compliance implemented until 2020 , the system of new conditionality links full receipt of cap support to the compliance by beneficiaries of basic standards concerning the environment , climate change , public health , animal health , plant health and animal welfare . the basic standards encompass in a streamlined form a list of statutory management requirements and standards of good agricultural and environmental conditions of land . these basic standards should better take into account the environmental and climate challenges and the new environmental architecture of the cap , thus delivering a higher level of environmental and climate ambition as the commission announced in its communications on the ‘ future of food and farming’ and the multiannual financial framework . conditionality aims to contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture through better awareness on the part of beneficiaries of the need to respect those basic standards . it also aims to make the cap more compatible with the expectations of society through improving consistency of the policy with the environment , public health , animal health , plant health and animal welfare objectives . conditionality should form an integral part of the environmental architecture of the cap , as part of the baseline for more ambitious environmental and climate commitments , and should be comprehensively applied across the union . for those farmers who do not comply with those requirements , member states should ensure that proportionate , effective and dissuasive penalties are applied in accordance with [ the hzr regulation ] . ### building on the previous system of cross - compliance implemented until 2020 , the system of new conditionality links full receipt of cap support to the compliance by beneficiaries of basic standards concerning the environment , climate change , public health , animal health , plant health and animal welfare . the basic standards encompass in a streamlined form a list of statutory management requirements and standards of good agricultural and environmental conditions of land . these basic standards should better take into account the environmental and climate challenges and the new environmental architecture of the cap , thus delivering a higher level of environmental and climate ambition as the commission announced in its communications on the ‘ future of food and farming’ and the multiannual financial framework . conditionality must be in line with the real situation on the ground and tailored to fit with agroecological practices . it must also extend to social conditionality , and must include the eu provisions on animal welfare . conditionality aims to contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture through better awareness on the part of beneficiaries of the need to respect those basic standards . it also aims to make the cap more compatible with the expectations of society through improving consistency of the policy with the environment , public health , animal health , plant health and animal welfare objectives . conditionality should form an integral part of the environmental architecture of the cap , as part of the baseline for more ambitious environmental and climate commitments , and should be comprehensively applied across the union . for those farmers who do not comply with those requirements , member states should ensure that proportionate , effective and dissuasive penalties are applied in accordance with [ the hzr regulation ] .


### smrs need to be fully implemented by member states in order to become operational at farm level and ensure equal treatment of farmers . to ensure the consistency of the rules on conditionality in enhancing the sustainability of the policy , smrs should encompass main union legislation on environment , public health , animal health , plant health and animal welfare which implementation at national level imply precise obligations on individual farmers , including obligations under council directive 92 / 43 / eec11 and directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council12 or council directive 91 / 676 / eec . 13 in order to follow up on the joint statement made by the european parliament and the council as annexed to regulation no 1306 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council , 14 the relevant provisions of directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council15 and directive 2009 / 128 / ec of the european parliament and of the council16 are included as smrs into the scope of conditionality and the list of gaec standards is adapted accordingly . __________________ 11 council directive 92 / 43 / eec of 21 may 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora . 12 directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 30 november 2009 on the conservation of wild birds . 13 council directive 91 / 676 / eec of 12 december 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources . 14 regulation no 1306 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 on the financing , management and monitoring of the common agricultural policy and repealing council regulations no 352 / 78 , no 165 / 94 , no 2799 / 98 , no 814 / 2000 , no 1290 / 2005 and no 485 / 2008 . 15 directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy . 16 directive 2009 / 128 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 21 october 2009 establishing a framework for community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides . ### smrs need to be fully implemented by member states in order to become operational at farm level and ensure equal treatment of farmers . to ensure the consistency of the rules on conditionality in enhancing the sustainability of the policy , smrs should encompass main union legislation on environment , public health , animal health , plant health and animal welfare which implementation at national level imply precise obligations on individual farmers , including obligations under council directive 92 / 43 / eec11 and directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council12 or council directive 91 / 676 / eec . 13 in order to follow up on the joint statement made by the european parliament and the council as annexed to regulation no 1306 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council , 14 the relevant provisions of directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council15 and directive 2009 / 128 / ec of the european parliament and of the council16 are included as smrs into the scope of conditionality , as well as under directive [ directive xxx of the european parliament and of the council on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment ] and regulation [ regulation 2018 / xxx of the european parliament and of the council on veterinary medicinal products and repealing directive 2001 / 82 / ec ] and the list of gaec standards is adapted accordingly . __________________ 11 council directive 92 / 43 / eec of 21 may 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora . 12 directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 30 november 2009 on the conservation of wild birds . 13 council directive 91 / 676 / eec of 12 december 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources . 14 regulation no 1306 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 december 2013 on the financing , management and monitoring of the common agricultural policy and repealing council regulations no 352 / 78 , no 165 / 94 , no 2799 / 98 , no 814 / 2000 , no 1290 / 2005 and no 485 / 2008 . 15 directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy . 16 directive 2009 / 128 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 21 october 2009 establishing a framework for community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides .


### member states should set farm advisory services for the purpose of improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses , covering economic , environmental and social dimensions , and to identify the necessary improvements as regards all measures at farm level provided for in the cap strategic plans . these farm advisory services should help farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support to become more aware of the relationship between farm management and land management on the one hand , and certain standards , requirements and information , including environmental and climate ones , on the other hand . the list of the latter includes standards applying to or necessary for farmers and other cap beneficiaries and set in the cap strategic plan , as well as those stemming from the legislation on water , on the sustainable use of pesticides , as well as the initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance and the management of risks . in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice , member states should integrate advisors within the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems , in order to be able to deliver up - to - date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation . ### member states should set up and put in place procedures in order to avoid conflicts of interest for farm advisory services whose objectives are improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses , covering economic , environmental , social dimensions and the specific objectives of this regulation referred to in article 6 , and to identify the necessary improvements as regards all measures at farm level provided for in the cap strategic plans . these farm advisory services should help farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support to become more aware of the relationship between farm management and land management on the one hand , and certain standards , requirements and information , including environmental , climate and animal welfare ones , on the other hand . the list of the latter includes standards applying to or necessary for farmers and other cap beneficiaries and set in the cap strategic plan , as well as those stemming from the legislation on water , on sustainable use of pesticides , as well as agro - ecological measures , the promotion of the sustainable management of nutrients , the initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance and the management of risks . in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice , member states should set out procedures for avoiding conflicts of interest , and integrate advisors within the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems , in order to be able to deliver up - to - date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation .


### member states should set farm advisory services for the purpose of improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses , covering economic , environmental and social dimensions , and to identify the necessary improvements as regards all measures at farm level provided for in the cap strategic plans . these farm advisory services should help farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support to become more aware of the relationship between farm management and land management on the one hand , and certain standards , requirements and information , including environmental and climate ones , on the other hand . the list of the latter includes standards applying to or necessary for farmers and other cap beneficiaries and set in the cap strategic plan , as well as those stemming from the legislation on water , on the sustainable use of pesticides , as well as the initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance and the management of risks . in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice , member states should integrate advisors within the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems , in order to be able to deliver up - to - date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation . ### member states should set farm advisory services for the purpose of improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses , covering economic , environmental and social dimensions , and to identify the necessary improvements as regards all measures at farm level provided for in the cap strategic plans . these farm advisory services should help farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support to transition their agricultural systems to agroecology and to become more aware of the relationship between farm management and land management on the one hand , and certain standards , requirements and information , including environmental and climate ones , on the other hand . the list of the latter includes standards applying to or necessary for farmers and other cap beneficiaries and set in the cap strategic plan , as well as those stemming from the legislation on water , on the sustainable use of pesticides , as well as the initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance and the management of risks . in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice , member states should integrate advisors within the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems , in order to be able to deliver up - to - date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation .


### member states should set farm advisory services for the purpose of improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses , covering economic , environmental and social dimensions , and to identify the necessary improvements as regards all measures at farm level provided for in the cap strategic plans . these farm advisory services should help farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support to become more aware of the relationship between farm management and land management on the one hand , and certain standards , requirements and information , including environmental and climate ones , on the other hand . the list of the latter includes standards applying to or necessary for farmers and other cap beneficiaries and set in the cap strategic plan , as well as those stemming from the legislation on water , on the sustainable use of pesticides , as well as the initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance and the management of risks . in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice , member states should integrate advisors within the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems , in order to be able to deliver up - to - date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation . ### member states should set farm advisory services for the purpose of improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses , covering economic , environmental and social dimensions , and to identify the necessary improvements as regards all measures at farm level provided for in the cap strategic plans . these farm advisory services should help farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support to become more aware of the relationship between farm management and land management on the one hand , and certain standards , requirements and information , including animal welfare , environmental and climate ones , on the other hand . the list of the latter includes standards applying to or necessary for farmers and other cap beneficiaries and set in the cap strategic plan , as well as those stemming from the legislation on water , on the sustainable use of pesticides , as well as the initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance and the management of risks . in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice , member states should integrate advisors within the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems , in order to be able to deliver up - to - date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation .


### in order to ensure a fairer distribution of income support , the amounts of direct payments above a certain ceiling should be reduced and the product should either be used for decoupled direct payments and in priority for the complementary redistributive income support for sustainability , or be transferred to the eafrd . in order to avoid negative effects on employment , labour should be taken into account when applying the mechanism . ### in order to ensure a fairer distribution of support , the amounts of direct payments above a certain ceiling should be reduced and the product should either be used for decoupled direct payments and in priority for the complementary redistributive income support for sustainability , or be transferred to the eafrd . in order to avoid negative effects on employment , labour should be taken into account when applying the mechanism .


### the cap should ensure that member states increase the environmental delivery by respecting local needs and farmers ' actual circumstances . member states should under direct payments in the cap strategic plan set up eco - schemes voluntary for farmers , which should be fully coordinated with the other relevant interventions . they should be defined by the member states as a payment granted either for incentivising and remunerating the provision of public goods by agricultural practices beneficial to the environment and climate or as a compensation for the introduction of these practices . in both cases they should aim at enhancing the environmental and climate performance of the cap and should consequently be conceived to go beyond the mandatory requirements already prescribed by the system of conditionality . member states may decide to set up eco - schemes for agricultural practices such as the enhanced management of permanent pastures and landscape features , and organic farming . these schemes may also include ‘ entry - level schemes’ which may be a condition for taking up more ambitious rural development commitments . ### the cap should ensure that member states increase the environmental delivery by respecting local needs and farmers ' actual circumstances . member states should under direct payments in the cap strategic plan set up eco - schemes voluntary for farmers , which should be fully coordinated with the other relevant interventions . member states should use at least 20% of their annual direct payments ' envelope for these schemes . they should be defined by the member states as a payment granted either for incentivising and remunerating the result - based provision of public goods or as a compensation for the introduction of environmental or climate practices . in both cases they should aim at enhancing the environmental and climate performance of the cap and should consequently be conceived to go beyond the mandatory requirements already prescribed by the system of conditionality . member states may decide to set up eco - schemes for agricultural practices such as the enhanced management of permanent pastures and landscape features , and organic farming . these schemes may also include ‘ entry - level schemes’ which may be a condition for taking up more ambitious rural development commitments .


### forestry measures should contribute to the implementation of the union forest strategy , and be based on member states ' national or sub - national forest programs or equivalent instruments , which should build on the commitments stemming from the regulation on the inclusion of greenhouse gas emission and removals from land use , land use energy and forestry [ lulucf regulation ] and those made in the ministerial conferences on the protection of forests in europe . interventions should be based on forest management plans or equivalent instruments and may comprise forest area development and sustainable management of forests , including the afforestation of land and the creation and regeneration of agroforestry systems ; the protection , restoration and improvement of forest resources , taking into account adaptation needs ; investments to guarantee and enhance forest conservation and resilience , and the provision of forest ecosystem and climate services ; and measures and investments in support of the renewable energy and bio - economy . ### forestry measures should contribute to the implementation of the union forest strategy , and be based on member states ' national or sub - national forest programs or equivalent instruments , which should build on the commitments stemming from the regulation on the inclusion of greenhouse gas emission and removals from land use , land use energy and forestry [ lulucf regulation ] and those made in the ministerial conferences on the protection of forests in europe . interventions and investments should be adequate and based on sustainable forest management plans or equivalent instruments that should enhance achieving biodiversity targets and maximise forests’ potential of delivering effective carbon sequestration from the atmosphere as well as providing renewable biomass that can substitute fossil materials and may comprise forest area development and sustainable management of active forests , as young and growing trees sequester more carbon from the atmosphere than old trees and / or the afforestation of land , fires and other disaster prevention and the creation and regeneration of agroforestry systems ; the protection , restoration , including from mines , and improvement of forest resources , taking into account adaptation needs ; investments to guarantee and enhance forest conservation and resilience , and the provision of forest ecosystem and climate services ; and measures and investments in support of the renewable energy and bio - economy .


### forestry measures should contribute to the implementation of the union forest strategy , and be based on member states ' national or sub - national forest programs or equivalent instruments , which should build on the commitments stemming from the regulation on the inclusion of greenhouse gas emission and removals from land use , land use energy and forestry [ lulucf regulation ] and those made in the ministerial conferences on the protection of forests in europe . interventions should be based on forest management plans or equivalent instruments and may comprise forest area development and sustainable management of forests , including the afforestation of land and the creation and regeneration of agroforestry systems ; the protection , restoration and improvement of forest resources , taking into account adaptation needs ; investments to guarantee and enhance forest conservation and resilience , and the provision of forest ecosystem and climate services ; and measures and investments in support of the renewable energy and bio - economy . ### forestry measures should contribute to the implementation of the union forest strategy , and be based on member states ' national or sub - national forest programs or equivalent instruments , which should build on the commitments stemming from the regulation on the inclusion of greenhouse gas emission and removals from land use , land use energy and forestry [ lulucf regulation ] and those made in the ministerial conferences on the protection of forests in europe . interventions should be based on forest management plans or equivalent instruments and may comprise forest area development and sustainable management of forests , including the afforestation of land and the creation and regeneration of agroforestry systems ; the protection , restoration and improvement of forest resources , taking into account adaptation needs ; investments to guarantee and enhance forest conservation and resilience , and the provision of forest ecosystem and climate services ; and measures and investments in support of the renewable energy fully taking into account the assessment of the feedstock availability1aand the support of the bio - economy . __________________ 1a in accordance with annex viii to the governance of the energy union regulation , bioenergy sustainability report is to be done biennially and assessment of feedstock availability is a mandatory element


### in the light of the need to ensure appropriate risk management tools , insurance premia and mutual funds should be maintained , financed by the eafrd . the category of mutual funds encompasses both those linked to production losses , and the general and sector - specific income stabilisation tools , linked to income losses . ### in the light of the need to ensure appropriate risk management tools in specific sectors , mutual funds should be maintained , financed by the eagf . the category of mutual funds encompasses both those linked to production losses , and the general and sector - specific income stabilisation tools , linked to income losses .


### eafrd should not provide support to investments that would harm the environment . hence it is necessary to provide in this regulation a number of exclusion rules , as well as the possibility to further develop these guarantees in delegated acts . notably , the eafrd should not finance investments in irrigation which do not contribute towards the achievement , or the preservation , of good status of the associated water body or bodies and investments in afforestation which are not consistent with climate and environmental objectives in line with sustainable forest management principles . ### eafrd should not provide support to investments that would harm the environment or which are not consistent with climate and environment objectives . hence it is necessary to provide in this regulation a number of exclusion rules , as well as the possibility to further develop these guarantees in delegated acts . notably , the eafrd should not finance investments which are foreseen in the management plans or other instruments subject to infringement procedure , should not finance investments in irrigation and drainage which do not contribute towards the achievement , or the preservation , of good status of the associated water body or bodies and investments in afforestation and reforestation / restoration which are not consistent with climate and environmental objectives in line with forest management plans , natura 2000 management plans , and legislation or guidelines on invasive alien species . member states should ensure that authorities play an active role on ecology and management of forest fires in any afforestation or reforestation action and strengthen the role of soft preventive measures and land use management .


### eafrd should not provide support to investments that would harm the environment . hence it is necessary to provide in this regulation a number of exclusion rules , as well as the possibility to further develop these guarantees in delegated acts . notably , the eafrd should not finance investments in irrigation which do not contribute towards the achievement , or the preservation , of good status of the associated water body or bodies and investments in afforestation which are not consistent with climate and environmental objectives in line with sustainable forest management principles . ### the ejflu should not support investments that would harm the environment , harm human or animal health or which cannot comply with existing animal welfare regulations . hence it is necessary to provide in this regulation a number of exclusion rules , as well as the possibility to further develop these guarantees in delegated acts . notably , the eafrd should not finance investments in irrigation which do not contribute towards the achievement , or the preservation , of good status of the associated water body or bodies and investments in afforestation which are not consistent with climate and environmental objectives in line with sustainable forest management principles .


### 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 , this program will contribute to mainstream climate action in the union ' s policies and to the achievement of an overall target of 25% of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under the cap are expected to contribute 40 % of the overall financial envelope of the cap to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the program ' 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 , this program will contribute to mainstream climate and environmental action in the union ' s policies and to the achievement of an overall target of 25% of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate and environmental objectives . actions under the cap are expected to contribute 40 % of the overall financial envelope of the cap to climate and environmental objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the program ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes . a proportion of at least 40% of the cap’s overall financial envelope should therefore be allocated to measures to shift current production systems to agroecological practices that are environmentally friendly and respect biodiversity , and also to the maintenance of such practices .


### ' agricultural activity ' shall be defined in a way that it includes both the production of agricultural products listed in annex i to the tfeu , including cotton and short rotation coppice , and maintenance of the agricultural area in a state which makes it suitable for grazing or cultivation , without preparatory action going beyond usual agricultural methods and machineries ; ### ' agricultural activity ' shall be defined in a way that it includes both the production of agricultural products listed in annex i to the tfeu , including cotton , cork and short rotation coppice , and maintenance of the agricultural area in a state which makes it suitable for grazing or cultivation , without preparatory action going beyond usual agricultural methods and machineries , including in agroforestry , combined systems with trees ;


### to bolster environmental care and climate action and to contribute to the environmental - and climate - related objectives of the union ; ### to bolster environmental care , climate action and biodiversity and to meet all environmental - and climate - related objectives of the union relevant to agriculture ;


### to strengthen the socio - economic fabric of rural areas . ### to strengthen the socio - economic fabric for both women and men in rural areas .


### impact indicators related to the objectives set out in articles 5 and 6 and used in the context of the cap strategic plans and of the cap . ### impact indicators related to the objectives set out in articles 5 and 6 and used for establishing quantified performance targets in respect to the specific objectives in the cap strategic plans and assessing progress made towards the targets and of the cap .


### the farm advisory services shall cover economic , environmental and social dimensions and deliver up to date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation . they shall be integrated within the interrelated services of farm advisors , researchers , farmer organisations and other relevant stakeholders that form the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems . ### the farm advisory services shall cover economic , environmental and social dimensions and deliver up to date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation . they shall be integrated within the interrelated services of farm advisory bodies , researchers , farmer organisations and other relevant stakeholders that form the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems .


### the complementary income support for young farmers ; ### the specific decoupled support for young farmers and new entrants ;


### member states shall ensure redistribution of support from bigger to smaller or medium - sized farms by providing for a redistributive income support in the form of an annual decoupled payment per eligible hectare to farmers who are entitled to a payment under the basic income support referred to in article 17 . ### member states shall ensure redistribution of support from bigger to smaller or medium - sized farms by providing for a redistributive income support in the form of an annual decoupled payment per eligible hectare , the amount of which shall be determined based on criteria aimed at facilitating rational development of agricultural production , as well as better use of production factors , to farmers who are entitled to a payment under the basic income support referred to in article 17 .


### member states shall establish an amount per hectare or different amounts for different ranges of hectares , as well as the maximum number of hectares per farmer for which the redistributive income support shall be paid . ### member states shall identify the criteria for calculating the amount to grant for the complementary redistributive income support for sustainability within the framework of the cap strategic plans . member states shall establish an amount per hectare or different amounts for ranges of hectares , according to the greater or lesser force of the previously identified criteria , for farmers to whom the redistributive income support shall be paid .


### as part of their obligations to contribute to the specific objective ' attract young farmers and facilitate business development in rural areas ' set out in point of article 6 and to dedicate at least 2% of their allocations for direct payments to this objective in accordance with article 86 , member states may provide a complementary income support for young farmers who have newly set up for the first time and who are entitled to a payment under the basic income support as referred to in article 17 . ### as part of their obligations to contribute to the specific objective ' attract young farmers and facilitate the setting up of new farms by young farmers ' set out in point of article 6 and to dedicate at least 4% of their allocations for direct payments to this objective in accordance with article 86 , member states may provide a complementary income support for young farmers who are entitled to a payment under the basic income support as referred to in article 17 and who are setting up for the first time or who have set up during the 5 years prior to the submission of the payment request for young farmers . by way of derogation from the above , young farmers who have received , during the final year of application of regulation 1307 / 2013 , the support indicated in article 50 of the said regulation , may receive the support stipulated in this article for the maximum period referred to in paragraph 3 of this article .


### planning of production , adjusting production to demand , particularly in terms of quality and quantity , optimisation of production costs and returns on investments and stabilising producer prices ; those objectives relate to the specific objectives set out in points , , and of article 6 ; ### planning of production , including through the establishment of a european fruit and vegetable register , updated annually by species and variety , adjusting production to demand , particularly in terms of quality and quantity , optimisation of production costs and returns on investments and stabilising producer prices to enable producers who are members of the po / apo to achieve above - average market value ; those objectives relate to the specific objectives set out in points , , and of article 6 ;


### integrated production ; ### integrated production , promoting , developing and implementing methods of production respectful of the environment , environmentally sound cultivation practices and production techniques , sustainable use of natural resources in particular protection of water , soil and other natural resources , while reducing pesticides dependency ;


### integrated production ; ### integrated production , promoting , developing and implementing methods of production respectful of the environment , environmentally sound cultivation practices and production techniques , sustainable use of natural resources in particular protection of water , soil and other natural resources , while reducing pesticide dependency ;


### member states shall choose in their cap strategic plans for each specific objective set out in article 6 one or more of the following types of interventions in the apiculture sector : ### member states shall in their cap strategic plans for each specific objective set out in article 6 utilize the following types of interventions in the apiculture sector :


### when drawing up their cap strategic plans member states shall seek the advice of the representatives of organisations in the beekeeping field . ### when drawing up their cap strategic plans member states shall seek the advice of the representatives of organisations in the beekeeping field and the respective authorities including environmental authorities .


### improve competitiveness of union wine producers including contributing to improvement of sustainable production systems and reduction of environmental impact of the union wine sector ; those objectives relate to the specific objectives set out in points to and of article 6 ; ### improve competitiveness of union wine producers including reduction of environmental impact of the union wine sector ; through implementing methods of production respectful of the environment , environmentally sound cultivation practices and production techniques , sustainable use of natural resources in particular protection of water , soil and other natural resources while reducing pesticide dependency , those objectives relate to the specific objectives set out in points to and and of article 6 ;


### to pursue the objectives referred to in article 56 , the member states referred to in article 82 shall choose in their cap strategic plans one or more of the types of interventions referred to in article 60 . within the chosen types of intervention they shall define interventions . ### to pursue the objectives referred to in article 56 , the member states referred to in article 82 shall choose in their cap strategic plans one or more of the types of interventions referred to in article 60 , to be defined at member state level . within the chosen types of intervention they shall define interventions .


### the member states shall pursue one or more of the following objectives in the other sectors referred to in point of article 39 : ### the member states shall pursue the following objectives in the other sectors referred to in point of article 39 :


### as regards the objectives referred to in points to of article 59 member states shall choose in their cap strategic plans one or more of the following types of intervention : ### as regards the objectives referred to in article 56 and points to of article 59 , member states shall choose in their cap strategic plans one or more of the following types of intervention :


### as regards the objectives referred to in points to of article 59 member states shall choose in their cap strategic plans one or more of the following types of intervention : ### as regards the objectives referred to in points to of article 59 member states shall in their cap strategic plans utilize the following types of intervention :


### actions to increase the sustainability and efficiency of transport and of storage of products of one or more of the sectors referred to in point of article 40 ; ### actions to increase the sustainability of production and the efficiency of transport and of storage of products of one or more of the sectors referred to in point of article 39 and the sector referred to in point of that article ;


### implementation of traceability and certification systems , in particular the monitoring of the quality of products sold to final consumers . ### implementation of traceability and certification systems , in particular the monitoring of the quality of products sold to final consumers . the systems must make it possible to trace the origin of the olives and oil at the various stages of the production chain .


### as regards the objective referred to in point of article 59 , member states shall choose in their cap strategic plans one or more of the following types of intervention : ### as regards the objective referred to in point of article 59 and point of article 56 , member states shall choose in their cap strategic plans one or more of the following types of intervention :


### replanting of orchards where that is necessary following mandatory grubbing up for health or phytosanitary reasons on the instruction of the member state competent authority or to adapt to climate change ; ### replanting of orchards or olive groves where that is necessary following mandatory grubbing up for health or phytosanitary reasons on the instruction of the member state competent authority or to adapt to climate change ;


### where support under this type of interventions is granted to agri - environment - climate commitments , commitments to convert to or maintain organic farming practices and methods as defined in regulation no 834 / 2007 and forest environmental and climate services , member states shall establish a payment per hectare . ### where support under this type of interventions is granted to agri - environment - climate commitments , including for those made in agroforestry systems , commitments to convert to or maintain organic farming practices and methods as defined in regulation no 834 / 2007 and forest environmental and climate services , member states shall establish a payment per hectare .


### member states may grant payments for area - specific disadvantages imposed by requirements resulting from the implementation of directives 92 / 43 / eec and 2009 / 147 / ec or directive 2000 / 60 / ec under the conditions set out in this article and as further specified in their cap strategic plans with the view of contributing to the achievement of the specific objectives set out in article 6 . ### member states shall grant payments for area - specific disadvantages imposed by requirements resulting from the implementation of directives 92 / 43 / eec and 2009 / 147 / ec or directive 2000 / 60 / ec under the conditions set out in this article and as further specified in their cap strategic plans with the view of contributing to the achievement of the specific objectives set out in article 6 . where appropriate , these payments shall complement the schemes for the climate and the environment set out in the eagf .


### these payments may be granted to farmers , forest holders and other land managers in respect of areas with disadvantages referred to in paragraph 1 . ### these payments may be granted to genuine farmers , as defined in point of article 4 , forest holders and other land managers in respect of areas with disadvantages referred to in paragraph 1 .


### member states may only grant support under this type of interventions for tangible and / or intangible investments , which contribute to achieving the specific objectives set out in article 6 . support to the forestry sector shall be based on a forest management plan or equivalent instrument . ### member states may only grant support under this type of interventions for tangible and / or intangible investments carried out by genuine farmers as defined in article 4 , which contribute to achieving the specific objectives set out in article 6 . support to the forestry sector shall be based on a forest management plan or equivalent instrument .


### member states may only grant support under this type of interventions for tangible and / or intangible investments , which contribute to achieving the specific objectives set out in article 6 . support to the forestry sector shall be based on a forest management plan or equivalent instrument . ### member states may only grant support under this type of interventions for tangible and / or intangible , including non - productive investments , which contribute to achieving the specific objectives set out in article 6 . support to the forestry sector shall be based on a forest management plan or equivalent instrument .


### purchase of animals , annual plants and their planting other than for the purpose of restoring agricultural or forestry potential following natural disaster and catastrophic events ; ### purchase of animals , annual plants and their planting other than for the purpose of restoring agricultural or forestry potential following natural disaster and catastrophic events ; animals used in place of machines in difficult terrain to protect the landscape or to guard against large predators are also exempted from this point ;


### investments in large infrastructures not being part of local development strategies ; ### investments in large infrastructures , in particular for livestock operations , not being part of local development strategies ;


### investments in afforestation which are not consistent with climate and environmental objectives in line with sustainable forest management principles , as developed in the pan - european guidelines for afforestation and reforestation . ### investments in afforestation and forest restoration which are not consistent with forest management plans , and with climate and environmental objectives in line with sustainable forest management principles , as developed in the pan - european guidelines for afforestation and reforestation .


### member states shall limit the support to the maximum rate of 75% of the eligible costs . ### member states shall limit the support to the maximum rate of 75% of the eligible costs . member states must set a priority for investments made by young farmers as defined in article 4 of this regulation .


### member states shall grant support under this type of interventions in order to promote risk management tools , which help genuine farmers manage production and income risks related to their agricultural activity which are outside their control and which contribute to achieving the specific objectives set out in article 6 . ### member states may grant support under this type of interventions in order to promote risk - reducing agricultural practices which increase resilience against natural hazards and hazards arising from climate change , as well as in order to promote risk management tools , which help genuine farmers manage production and income risks related to their agricultural activity which are outside their control and which contribute to achieving the specific objectives set out in article 6 .


### the methodology for the calculation of losses and triggering factors for compensation ; ### the methodology for the calculation of losses and triggering factors for compensation . support shall only be granted for insurance contracts which cover losses caused by an adverse climatic event , an animal or plant disease , a pest infestation , an environmental incident , or a measure adopted in accordance with directive 2000 / 29 / ec to eradicate or contain a plant disease , or pest which destroys the production of the farmer . indexes may be used in order to calculate the annual production of the farmer . the calculation method used shall permit the determination of the actual loss of an individual farmer in a given year . the measurement of the extent of the loss caused may be tailored to the specific characteristics of each type of product using : biological indexes or equivalent yield loss indexes established at farm , local , regional or national level , or weather indexes established at local , regional or national level ;


### the rules for the constitution and management of the mutual funds . ### the methods used to establish that the recipient took all risk avoidance measures before being considered entitled to compensation .


### member states shall ensure that support is granted only for covering losses of at least 20% of the average annual production or income of the farmer in the preceding three - year period or a three - year average based on the preceding five - year period excluding the highest and lowest entry . ### member states shall ensure that support is granted only for covering losses of at least 20% of the average annual production , revenue or income of the farmer in the preceding three - year period or a three - year average based on the preceding five - year period excluding the highest and lowest entry . support shall be in line with the production , revenue or income that can be achieved .


### in the case of cooperation in the context of farm succession , member states may grant support only to farmers having reached the retirement age as set under national legislation . ### in the case of cooperation in the context of farm succession and with the further aim to encourage generational renewal at farm level , member states may grant support only to farmers having reached the retirement age as set under national legislation .


### member states may grant support for agricultural , forestry and rural business knowledge exchange and information under the conditions set out in this article and as further specified in their cap strategic plans . ### member states shall grant support for agricultural , forestry and rural business knowledge exchange and information under the conditions set out in this article and as further specified in their cap strategic plans .


### the percentage referred to in the first subparagraph , may be increased by a maximum of 2% , provided that the amount corresponding to the percentage exceeding the 10% is allocated to the support for protein crops under subsection 1 of section 2 of chapter ii of title iii . ### the percentage referred to in the first subparagraph , may be increased by a maximum of 2% , provided that the amount corresponding to the percentage exceeding the 10% is allocated to the support for protein crops under subsection 1 of section 2 of chapter ii of title iii or support for silvoarable or silvopastoral agroforestry systems , also as certified systems of trees outside forests .


### member states may decide in their cap strategic plan to use a certain share of the eafrd allocation to leverage support and upscale integrated strategic nature projects as defined under the [ life regulation ] and to finance actions in respect of transnational learning mobility of people in the field agricultural and rural development with a focus on young farmers , in accordance with the [ erasmus regulation ] . ### member states may decide in their cap strategic plan to use a certain share of the eafrd allocation to leverage support and upscale integrated strategic nature projects as defined under the [ life regulation ] and to finance actions in respect of transnational learning mobility of people in the field agricultural and rural development with a focus on young farmers , in accordance with the [ erasmus regulation ] , and women in rural areas .


### increased ambition with regard to environmental - and climate - related objectives ### increased ambitions with regard to environmental , climate and animal welfare - related objectives