### given its characteristics and size , the life programme cannot solve all environmental and climate problems . rather , its objective should be to catalyse changes in policy development and implementation by providing and disseminating solutions and best practices to achieve environmental and climate goals . ### given its characteristics and size , the life programme cannot solve all environmental and climate problems . rather , its objective should be to catalyse changes in policy development and implementation by providing and disseminating solutions and best practices to achieve environmental and climate goals . in this endeavour , it should support the implementation of the union environmental action programme . in its resolution of 20 april 2012 on the review of the 6th environment action programme and the setting of priorities for the 7th environment action programme – a better environment for a better life1 the european parliament emphasised that the environmental action programmes contribute to ensuring the necessary coordination among the various union policies and considered that , in the coming decade , it will be even more crucial to address environmental issues with a more coherent and integrated approach that takes into account the links between them and that fills the remaining gaps , as otherwise irreversible damage may be caused . the european parliament also stressed that the 7th environment action programme should provide the right framework to ensure adequate funding , including for innovation , research and development and that financing environmental objectives , in synergy with life , and fully integrating protection of the environment should be an important part of the next multiannual financial framework , of the reform of the common agricultural policy , of the common fisheries policy , of cohesion policy and of horizon 2020 . ______________ 1 p7_ta0147 .


### this regulation lays down , for the entire duration of the life programme , a financial envelope of €3 , 618 million constituting the prime reference , within the meaning of point 17 of the commission proposal for an interinstitutional agreement of 29 june 2011 between the european parliament , the council and the commission on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management , for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure . ### this regulation lays down for the entire duration of the life programme , a financial envelope of 1 % of the overall budget constituting the prime reference , within the meaning of point 17 of the commission proposal for an interinstitutional agreement of 29 june 2011 between the european parliament , the council and the commission on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management , for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure .


### halting and reversing the loss of biodiversity and improving resource efficiency , together with addressing environment and health related concerns , remain key challenges for the union . these challenges require increased efforts at union level to provide solutions and best practices that help achieving the targets of the communication from the commission ' europe 2020 : a strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth ' . in addition , improved governance , in particular through awareness raising and stakeholders ' involvement , is essential to deliver environmental objectives . therefore the sub - programme for environment should have three priority areas for action : environment and resource efficiency , biodiversity , and environmental governance and information . it should be possible for projects financed by the life programme to contribute to the achievement of the specific objectives of more than one of those priority areas and to involve the participation of more than one member state . ### halting and reversing the loss of biodiversity and improving resource efficiency , together with addressing environment and health related concerns , remain key challenges for the union . these challenges require increased efforts at union level to provide solutions and best practices that help achieving the targets of the communication from the commission ' europe 2020 : a strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth ' . in addition , improved governance , in particular through awareness raising and stakeholders ' involvement , is essential to deliver environmental objectives . therefore the sub - programme for environment should have three priority areas for action : environment and resource efficiency , nature and biodiversity , and environmental governance and information . it should be possible for projects financed by the life programme to contribute to the achievement of the specific objectives of more than one of those priority areas and to involve the participation of more than one member state .


### halting and reversing the loss of biodiversity and improving resource efficiency , together with addressing environment and health related concerns , remain key challenges for the union . these challenges require increased efforts at union level to provide solutions and best practices that help achieving the targets of the communication from the commission ‘ europe 2020 : a strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth’ . in addition , improved governance , in particular through awareness raising and stakeholders ' involvement , is essential to deliver environmental objectives . therefore the sub - programme for environment should have three priority areas for action : environment and resource efficiency , biodiversity , and environmental governance and information . it should be possible for projects financed by the life programme to contribute to the achievement of the specific objectives of more than one of those priority areas and to involve the participation of more than one member state . ### halting and reversing the loss of biodiversity and improving resource efficiency , together with addressing environment and health related concerns , remain key challenges for the union . these challenges require increased efforts at union level to provide solutions and best practices that help achieving the targets of the communication from the commission ‘ europe 2020 : a strategy for smart , sustainable and inclusive growth’ . in addition , improved governance , in particular through awareness raising and stakeholders’ involvement , is essential to deliver environmental objectives . to achieve these objectives , the union – recognising the fundamental importance of biodiversity conservation in the outermost regions – should affirm the voluntary scheme for promoting conservation and sustainable use of best in those outermost regions referred to in article 349 tfeu to which union environmental protection legislation does not apply , thus drawing on the experience acquired through union nature conservation policy , in particular natura 2000 . therefore the sub - programme for environment should have four priority areas for action : environment and resource efficiency , biodiversity , environmental governance and information , and best in the outermost regions . it should be possible for projects financed by the life programme to contribute to the achievement of the specific objectives of more than one of those priority areas and to involve the participation of more than one member state .


### the communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions ' our life insurance , our natural capital : an eu biodiversity strategy to 2020 ' has set up targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss . these targets include , among others , the full implementation of council directive 92 / 43 / eec of 21 may 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora and directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 30 november 2009 on the conservation of wild birds , as well as maintaining and restoring ecosystems and their services . the life programme should contribute to achieving those targets . therefore , the priority area biodiversity should focus on the implementation and management of the natura2000 network set up by council directive 92 / 43 / eec , in particular in relation to the prioritised action frameworks foreseen in article 8 of the same directive , on the development and dissemination of best practices in relation to biodiversity and directives 2009 / 147 / ec and 92 / 43 / eec , as well as on the wider biodiversity challenges identified by the union biodiversity strategy to 2020 ; ### the communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions ' our life insurance , our natural capital : an eu biodiversity strategy to 2020 ' has set up targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss . these targets include , among others , the full implementation of council directive 92 / 43 / eec of 21 may 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora and directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 30 november 2009 on the conservation of wild birds , as well as maintaining and restoring ecosystems and their services . the life programme should contribute to achieving those targets . therefore , the priority area nature and biodiversity should focus on the implementation and management of the natura2000 network set up by council directive 92 / 43 / eec , in particular in relation to the prioritised action frameworks foreseen in article 8 of the same directive , on the development and dissemination of best practices in relation to biodiversity and directives 2009 / 147 / ec and 92 / 43 / eec , as well as on the wider biodiversity challenges identified by the union biodiversity strategy to 2020 . the contribution of life to the annual funding needs for the natura 2000 network , estimated at eur 5 800 million1 , should be seen and determined in the context of secured biodiversity expenses from other union funds . in its resolution of 20 april 2012 on our life insurance , our natural capital : an eu biodiversity strategy to 20202 the european parliament called on the commission and the member states to ensure that at least eur 5 800 million per year is provided through union and member state funding and that adequate funding is made available through various union funds , with better coordination and coherence between those funds , inter alia through the concept of integrated projects , thereby improving transparency for the different regions in receipt of union funding ; _____________ 1 financing natura 2000 . investing in natura 2000 : delivering benefits for nature and people . commission staff working paper sec1573 . 2 p7_ta0146 .


### the communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions ‘ our life insurance , our natural capital : an eu biodiversity strategy to 2020’ has set up targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss . these targets include , among others , the full implementation of council directive 92 / 43 / eec of 21 may 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora and directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 30 november 2009 on the conservation of wild birds , as well as maintaining and restoring ecosystems and their services . the life programme should contribute to achieving those targets . therefore , the priority area biodiversity should focus on the implementation and management of the natura2000 network set up by council directive 92 / 43 / eec , in particular in relation to the prioritised action frameworks foreseen in article 8 of the same directive , on the development and dissemination of best practices in relation to biodiversity and directives 2009 / 147 / ec and 92 / 43 / eec , as well as on the wider biodiversity challenges identified by the union biodiversity strategy to 2020 ; ### the communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions ‘ our life insurance , our natural capital : an eu biodiversity strategy to 2020’ has set up targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss . these targets include , among others , the full implementation of council directive 92 / 43 / eec of 21 may 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora and directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 30 november 2009 on the conservation of wild birds , as well as maintaining and restoring ecosystems and their services . the life programme should contribute to achieving those targets . therefore , the priority area biodiversity should focus on the implementation and management of the natura2000 network set up by council directive 92 / 43 / eec , in particular in relation to the prioritised action frameworks foreseen in article 8 of the same directive , on the development and dissemination of best practices in relation to biodiversity and directives 2009 / 147 / ec and 92 / 43 / eec , as well as on the wider biodiversity challenges identified by the union biodiversity strategy to 2020 . the contribution of life to the annual funding needs for the natura 2000 network should be seen and determined in the context of secured biodiversity expenses from other union funds . in its resolution of 20 april 2012 on our life insurance , our natural capital : an eu biodiversity strategy to 2020 , the european parliament called on the commission and the member states to ensure that at least eur 5 800 million per year is provided through union and member state funding and that appropriate funding is made available through various union funds , with better coordination and coherence between those funds , amongst others through the concept of integrated projects , thereby improving transparency for the different regions in receipt of union funding ;


### the priority area climate change mitigation should contribute to the development and implementation of union climate - related policy and legislation , in particular with regard to greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting , policies related to land use , land use change and forestry , emissions trading system , member states ' effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions , carbon capture and storage , renewable energy , energy efficiency , transport and fuels , ozone layer protection and fluorinated gases . ### the priority area climate change mitigation should contribute to the development and implementation of union climate - related policy and legislation , in particular by supporting synergies with other environmental objectives , such as biodiversity , in the areas of greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting , land use , land use change and forestry , conservation of natural carbon sinks , ecosystem friendly approaches in the development of renewable energy , waste recovery and biogas production , energy efficiency , transport and fuels , ozone layer protection and fluorinated gases .


### with a view to simplifying the life programme and reducing administrative burden for applicants and beneficiaries , more use should be made of flat rates and lump - sums , and funding should focus on more specific categories of costs . by way of compensation for ineligible costs and in order to maintain the effective level of support provided by the life programme , the co - funding rates should be 70% as a general rule and 80% in specific cases . ### with a view to simplifying the life programme and reducing administrative burden for applicants and beneficiaries , more use should be made of flat rates and lump - sums . the commission should consider introducing two - phase application procedures for all projects and options to accelerate the selection procedure , including providing for a shorter gap between selection and the start of a project . the commission should also endeavour to facilitate , upon request , contact between interested applicants and beneficiaries of ongoing projects in similar areas to allow for an exchange of experience for the application and implementation phase . the commission should furthermore ensure that detailed reasons are provided for a project ' s rejection and that those reasons are communicated before the announcement of the subsequent call for proposals . where best practices from other funds exist , corresponding changes for the life programme should be made , where appropriate .


### the life programme and the sub - programmes should be regularly monitored and evaluated based on corresponding indicators to allow for readjustments . in order to provide evidence of the co - benefits that both sub - programmes can bring to climate action and biodiversity , and to provide information on the level of spending , the monitoring of the life programme should track climate - related expenditure and biodiversity - related expenditure , as defined in the mff communication . such tracking should be performed based on a simple methodology by placing the expenditure in one of three categories : climate / biodiversity related only , significantly climate / biodiversity related , and not climate / biodiversity related . that methodology should not exclude the use of more precise methodologies , where appropriate . ### the life programme and the sub - programmes should be regularly monitored and evaluated based on corresponding indicators to allow for readjustments . when developing indicators for the assessment of programmes and projects , the commission should place emphasis on quality monitoring on the basis of performance indicators and expected results and impacts . the commission should also propose a method for monitoring the long - term success of projects , especially in the area of nature and biodiversity . in order to provide evidence of the co - benefits that both sub - programmes can bring to climate action and biodiversity , and to provide information on the level of spending , the monitoring of the life programme should track climate - related expenditure and biodiversity - related expenditure , as defined in the mff communication . such tracking should be performed based on a simple methodology by placing the expenditure in one of three categories : climate / biodiversity related only , significantly climate / biodiversity related , and not climate / biodiversity related . that methodology should not exclude the use of more precise methodologies , where appropriate .


### in order to secure the best possible use of union funds and to ensure european added value , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of eligibility criteria for project selection , criteria for the application of geographical balance to “integrated projects” , and performance indicators applicable to specific thematic priorities . 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 secure the best possible use of union funds and to ensure european added value , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of eligibility criteria for project selection , criteria for the application of geographical balance to ' integrated projects ' , and performance indicators applicable to specific thematic priorities . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level and with social partners and local and regional authorities . 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 . delegated acts , however , should be adopted only when appropriate , safeguarding the european parliament ' s right to object the measures adopted by the commission .


### ' pilot projects ' mean projects that apply a technique or method that has not been applied or tested before , or elsewhere , and that offer potential environmental or climate advantages compared to current best practice ; ### ' pilot projects ' mean projects that apply a technique or method that has not been applied or tested before , or elsewhere , and that offer potential environmental or climate advantages compared to current best practice and which can subsequently be applied on a larger scale to similar situations ;


### ‘ integrated projects’ mean projects implementing in a sustainable manner , on a large territorial scale , in particular , regional , multi - regional or national scale , environmental or climate strategies or action plans required by specific environmental or climate union legislation , pursuant to other union acts or developed by member states ' authorities ; ### ' integrated projects ' mean projects implementing in a sustainable manner , on a large territorial scale , in particular , regional , multi - regional or national scale , environmental or climate strategies or action plans primarily in one or more of the areas of nature , water , waste , air and climate change mitigation and adaptation , as required by specific environmental or climate union legislation , pursuant to other union acts or developed by member states ' authorities ;


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 30 concerning the performance indicators in view of their application to the thematic priorities as defined in the multiannual work programmes referred to in article 24 . ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 30 further defining the performance indicators in view of their application to the thematic priorities as defined in the multiannual work programmes referred to in article 24 .


### eur 2 713 500 000 of the overall financial envelope referred to in paragraph 1 shall be allocated to the sub - programme for environment ; ### eur [ . . . ] , which amounts to approximately 75 % of the overall financial envelope referred to in paragraph 1 , shall be allocated to the sub - programme for environment ;


### eur 904 500 000 of the overall financial envelope referred to in paragraph 1 shall be allocated to the sub - programme for climate action . ### eur [ . . . ] , which amounts to approximately 25 % of the overall financial envelope referred to in paragraph 1 , shall be allocated to the sub - programme for climate action .


### in accordance with their respective responsibilities , the commission and the member states shall ensure coordination between the life programme and the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development , and the european maritime and fisheries fund , in order to create synergies , particularly in the context of integrated projects referred to in article 18 point , and to support the use of solutions , methods and approaches developed under the life programme . at union level , coordination shall take place within the common strategic framework referred to in article 10 of regulation no… . . ### in accordance with their respective responsibilities , the commission and the member states , in an active and concerted effort , shall ensure coordination between the life programme and the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development , and the european maritime and fisheries fund , in order to create synergies and harmonise procedures , particularly in the context of integrated projects referred to in article 18 point and carried out as local development projects run by local stakeholders and under local development strategies referred to in articles 28 and 29 of regulation no . . . . , and to support the use of solutions , methods and approaches developed under the life programme . at union level , coordination shall take place within the common strategic framework referred to in article 10 of regulation no… . . in their partnership contracts , as referred to in article 14 of regulation no xxx / xxx , the member states must indicate the mechanisms which will enable coordination at national and regional level between the life programme and the other funds referred to in regulation no xxx / xxxx .


### to improve the knowledge base for the development , assessment , monitoring and evaluation of union environmental policy and legislation , and for the assessment and monitoring of the factors , pressures and responses that impact on the environment within and outside the union . ### to improve the knowledge base for the development , implementation , assessment , monitoring and evaluation of union environmental policy and legislation , and for the assessment and monitoring of the factors , pressures and responses that impact on the environment within and outside the union .


### to improve the knowledge base for the development , assessment , monitoring and evaluation of union biodiversity policy and legislation , and for the assessment and monitoring of the factors , pressures and responses that impact on the biodiversity within and outside the union . ### to improve the knowledge base for the development , implementation , assessment , monitoring and evaluation of union biodiversity policy and legislation , and for the assessment and monitoring of the factors , pressures and responses that impact on the biodiversity within and outside the union .


### to improve the knowledge base for the development , assessment , monitoring , evaluation and implementation of effective adaptation actions and measures and to enhance the capacity to apply that knowledge in practice ; ### to improve the knowledge base for the development , assessment , monitoring , evaluation and implementation of effective ecosystem - based adaptation actions and measures and to enhance the capacity to apply that knowledge in practice ;


### to facilitate the development and implementation of integrated approaches , such as for adaptation strategies and action plans , at local , regional or national level ; ### to facilitate the development and implementation of ecosystem - based integrated approaches , such as for adaptation strategies and action plans , at local , regional or national level ;


### to contribute to the development and demonstration of innovative adaptation technologies , systems , methods and instruments that are suitable for being replicated , transferred or mainstreamed . ### to contribute to the development and demonstration of innovative adaptation technologies , systems , methods and instruments that are suitable for being replicated , transferred or mainstreamed and that focus on ecosystem - based approaches .


### information , awareness and dissemination projects ; ### information , awareness , exchange and dissemination projects ;


### being of union interest by making a significant contribution to the achievement of one of the objectives of the life programme set out in article 3 ; ### being of union interest by making a significant contribution to the achievement of one of the general objectives of the life programme set out in article 3 as well as the specific objectives for the priority areas set out in articles 10 , 11 , 12 , 14 , 15 and 16 ;


### integrated projects referred to in article 18 point shall involve , where appropriate , stakeholders and promote , when possible , the coordination with and mobilisation of other union funding sources . ### integrated projects referred to in article 18 point shall involve , where appropriate , stakeholders and promote , when possible , the coordination with and mobilisation of other union funding sources . from the amount dedicated to action grants , no more than 20% shall be allocated to integrated projects .


### the commission shall revise , where appropriate , the multiannual work programmes . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 29 . ### each multiannual work programme shall have a duration of at least three years and be renewable , provided that the thematic priorities laid down in that multiannual work programme remain valid . the commission shall review the multiannual work programme at the latest by the mid - term review of the life programme . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 29 .


### the commission shall revise , where appropriate , the multiannual work programmes . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 29 . ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 30 in order to revise , where appropriate , the multiannual work programmes .


### no later than 30 september 2017 , an external mid - term evaluation report of the life programme , including qualitative and quantitative aspects of its implementation , the amount of climate - related expenditure and biodiversity - related expenditure , and its complementarity with other relevant union programmes , the achievement of the objectives of all the measures , the efficiency of the use of resources and its european added value , in view of a decision on the renewal , modification or suspension of the measures . the evaluation shall additionally address the scope for simplification , its internal and external coherence , the continued relevance of all objectives , as well as the contribution of the measures to the union priorities of smart , sustainable and inclusive growth . it shall take into account evaluation results on the long - term impact of its predecessor . the report shall be accompanied by remarks by the commission including the manner in which the findings of the mid - term evaluation shall be taken into account when implementing the life programme , and , in particular , when drawing up the multiannual work programmes ; ### no later than 30 september 2017 , an external mid - term evaluation report of the life programme , including qualitative and quantitative aspects of its implementation , the amount of climate - related expenditure and biodiversity - related expenditure , and its complementarity with other relevant union programmes , the achievement of the objectives of all the measures , the efficiency of the use of resources and its european added value , in view of a decision on the renewal , modification or suspension of the measures . the evaluation shall additionally address the scope for simplification , its internal and external coherence , the continued relevance of all objectives , as well as the contribution of the measures to the union priorities of smart , sustainable and inclusive growth . it shall take into account evaluation results on the long - term impact of its predecessor . the report shall be accompanied by remarks by the commission including the manner in which the findings of the mid - term evaluation shall be taken into account when implementing the life programme , and , in particular , when drawing up the multiannual work programmes . the mid - term evaluation report shall contain or be accompanied by a thorough assessment of the extent and quality of the demand for , planning of and implementation of integrated projects . a special focus shall be given to their realised or expected success in leveraging other union funds , particularly taking into account the benefits of increased coherence with other union funding instruments , the extent to which stakeholders have been involved and the extent to which previous traditional life projects have been or are expected to be covered by integrated projects . that assessment may be accompanied by appropriate proposals for adapting the overall financial share available for integrated projects under the life programme as referred to in article 4 and the scope of integrated projects as referred to in article 8a ;


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in articles 3 , 19 and 19 shall be conferred on the commission for an indeterminate period of time from the [ date of entry into force of this regulation ] . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 3 , article 4 , article 8a , article 19 , article 24 and article 24 shall be conferred on the commission for an indeterminate period of time from the [ date of entry into force of this regulation ] .


### the delegation of power referred to in articles 3 , 19 and 19 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision . it shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force . ### the delegation of power referred to in article 3 , article 4 , article 8a , article 19 , article 24 and article 24 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision . it shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force .


### a delegated act adopted pursuant to articles 3 , 19 or 19 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council . ### a delegated act adopted pursuant to article 3 , article 4 , article 8a , article 19 , article 24 or article 24 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council .


### measures started before 31 december 2013 pursuant to regulation no 614 / 2007 shall , until their completion , continue to be governed by that regulation and shall comply with the technical provisions defined therein . the committee referred to in article 29 shall replace the committee provided for in regulation no 614 / 2007 from date of entry into force of this regulation . ### measures started before 31 december 2013 pursuant to regulation no 614 / 2007 shall , until their completion , continue to be governed by that regulation and shall comply with the technical provisions defined therein .


### in accordance with article 26 tfeu , the internal market is to comprise an area without internal frontiers in which the free movement of goods and services is ensured . in order for consumers to have confidence in and benefit from the internal market , it is necessary that they have access to simple and low - cost ways of resolving disputes which arise from the sale of goods or the provision of services . this applies to offline as well as to online transactions , and is particularly important when consumers shop across borders . ### in accordance with article 26 tfeu , the internal market is to comprise an area without internal frontiers in which the free movement of goods and services is ensured . the internal market should provide consumers with added value in the form of better quality , greater variety , reasonable prices and high safety standards for goods and services , which should promote a high level of consumer protection .


### alternative dispute resolution offers a simple , fast and low - cost out - of - court solution to disputes between consumers and traders . however , alternative dispute resolution is not yet sufficiently developed across the european union . in order for consumers to fully exploit its potential , it is necessary that alternative dispute resolution is available for all types of consumer disputes , quality levels of adr procedures are even and consumers and traders are aware of such procedures . it is also necessary that adr entities handle cross - border disputes effectively . ### alternative dispute resolution offers a simple , fast and low - cost out - of - court solution to disputes between consumers and traders . however , alternative dispute resolution is not yet sufficiently and consistently developed across the member states . it is regrettable that , despite the commission recommendations 98 / 257 / ec of 30 march 1998 on the principles applicable to the bodies responsible for the out - of - court settlement of consumer disputes1 and 2001 / 310 / ec of 4 april 2001 on the principles for out - of - court bodies involved in the consensual resolution of consumer adr2 , alternative dispute resolution mechanisms have not been correctly established and are not running satisfactorily in all geographical areas or business sectors in the union . consumers and traders are still not aware of the existing alternative redress mechanisms , with only a small percentage of citizens knowing how to file a complaint with an adr entity . _____________ 1 oj l 115 , 17 . 4 . 1998 2 oj l 109 , 19 . 4 . 2001 , p . 56 .


### in its single market act , the commission has identified legislation on alternative dispute resolution which includes an electronic commerce dimension as one of the twelve levers to boost growth and strengthen confidence in the single market . ### in its single market act , the commission has identified legislation on alternative dispute resolution which includes an electronic commerce dimension as one of the twelve levers to boost growth , strengthen confidence , and make progress towards completing the single market .


### the european council has invited the parliament and the council to adopt , by the end of 2012 , a first set of priority measures to bring a new impetus to the single market . ### the european council has invited the parliament and the council to adopt , by the end of 2012 , a first set of priority measures to bring a new impetus to the single market . the council has highlighted the importance of e - commerce and agreed that consumer adr scheme should be able to offer low - cost , simple and quick redress for both consumers and traders . successful implementation of that scheme requires sustained political commitment and support from all actors , without compromising the affordability , transparency , flexibility , speed and quality of decision - making by the adr entities falling within the scope of this directive ;


### the development within the european union of well - functioning alternative dispute resolution is necessary to strengthen consumers ' confidence in the internal market , including in the area of e - commerce . such development should build on existing adr procedures in the member states and respect their legal traditions . ### the development within the union of well - functioning alternative dispute resolution is necessary to strengthen consumers ' confidence in the internal market , including in the area of e - commerce , and to realise the potential and opportunities of cross - border and online trade . such development should build on existing adr procedures in the member states and respect their legal traditions . both existing and newly established well - functioning dispute resolution entities that comply with the minimum quality criteria set out in this directive should be referred to as ' adr entities ' .


### this directive should apply to contractual disputes between consumers and traders that are arising from the sale of goods or provision of services in all economic sectors . this should include complaints submitted by consumers against traders but also complaints submitted by traders against consumers . this directive should not apply to disputes between traders ; however , it should not prevent member states from adopting or maintaining in force provisions on procedures for the out - of - court resolution of such disputes . ### this directive should apply to complaints linked to contractual disputes submitted by consumers against traders that are arising from the sale of goods or provision of services in all economic sectors and from online sales , including the provision of digital content . this directive should not apply to non - economic services of general interest or to healthcare services provided by traders in order to assess , maintain or restore a patient’s state of health , including the administration and provision of prescription medicinal products and medical devices . it should not apply to complaints submitted by traders against consumers or to disputes between traders ; however , it should not prevent member states from adopting or maintaining in force provisions on procedures for the out - of - court resolution of such disputes .


### member states should ensure that disputes covered by this directive can be submitted to an adr entity fulfilling the requirements set out in this directive . member states should have the possibility to fulfil this obligation by relying on existing adr entities and adjusting their scope of application , if needed , or by providing for the creation of new adr entities . this directive should not oblige member states to create a specific adr entity in each retail sector . member states should have the possibility to provide for the creation of a residual adr entity that deals with disputes for the resolution of which no specific entity is competent . ### member states should ensure that the contractual disputes covered by this directive can be submitted to an adr entity complying with the quality criteria set out in this directive . member states could also fulfil this obligation by building on existing well - functioning adr entities and adjusting their scope of application , complying with this directive ' s provisions if needed , or by providing for the creation of new adr entities . this directive should not oblige member states to create a specific adr entity in each retail sector . member states should provide for the creation of a residual adr entity that deals with disputes for the resolution of which no specific entity is competent , in order to ensure full geographical coverage and access to alternative dispute resolution in all member states .


### this directive should be without prejudice to traders established in a member state being covered by an adr entity which is located in another member state . member states should encourage the development of such entities . ### this directive should be without prejudice to traders established in a member state being covered by an adr entity which is located in another member state . member states should encourage the development of such transnational and pan - european dispute resolution schemes where traders from different member states are part of the same adr scheme .


### in order to ensure the transparency of adr entities and of adr procedures it is necessary that the parties receive all the information they need to take an informed decision before engaging in an adr procedure . ### adr entities should be accessible and transparent . in order to ensure the transparency of adr entities and of adr procedures it is necessary that the parties receive the clear and accessible information they need in order to take an informed decision before engaging in an adr procedure .


### adr procedures should be effective . they should provide for a simple and fast procedure whose duration generally does not exceed 90 days . the adr entity should be able to extend this time period when the complexity of the dispute in question so demands . ### a well - functioning adr entity should resolve online and offline dispute proceedings expediently within a timeframe of 90 calendar days from the time when the adr entity officially opens the procedure . for some technical or highly complex disputes , the adr entity may need more time to give objective consideration to all aspects of the case and should be permitted , at its discretion , to extend the 90 - day timeframe in order to guarantee high - quality dispute resolution .


### when a dispute arises it is necessary that consumers are able to identify quickly which adr entities are competent to deal with their complaint and to know whether or not the trader concerned will participate in proceedings submitted to an adr entity . traders should therefore provide such information on their main commercial documents and , where they have a website , on their websites . this obligation should be without prejudice to articles 6 , 7 and 8 of directive 2011 / 83 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2011 on consumer rights . article 6 of directive 2011 / 83 / eu stipulates for consumer contracts concluded at a distance or off premises that the trader has to inform the consumer about the possibility of having recourse to an out - of - court complaint and redress mechanism to which the trader is subject , and the methods for having access to it , before the consumer is bound by the contract . article 7 of directive 2011 / 83 / eu provides that , in the case of off - premises contracts , this information must be provided on paper or , if the consumer agrees , on another durable medium . ### when a dispute arises it is necessary that consumers are able to identify quickly which adr entities are competent to deal with their complaint and to be assured that the trader will participate in proceedings submitted to an adr entity . traders should therefore provide such information on their main commercial documents and , where they have a website , on their websites . this obligation should be without prejudice to articles 6 , 7 and 8 of directive 2011 / 83 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2011 on consumer rights . article 6 of directive 2011 / 83 / eu stipulates for consumer contracts concluded at a distance or off premises that the trader has to inform the consumer about the possibility of having recourse to an out - of - court complaint and redress mechanism to which the trader is subject , and the methods for having access to it , before the consumer is bound by the contract . article 7 of directive 2011 / 83 / eu provides that , in the case of off - premises contracts , this information must be provided on paper or , if the consumer agrees , on another durable medium .


### when a dispute arises it is necessary that consumers are able to identify quickly which adr entities are competent to deal with their complaint and to know whether or not the trader concerned will participate in proceedings submitted to an adr entity . traders should therefore provide such information on their main commercial documents and , where they have a website , on their websites . this obligation should be without prejudice to articles 6 , 7 and 8 of directive 2011 / 83 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2011 on consumer rights . article 6 of directive 2011 / 83 / eu stipulates for consumer contracts concluded at a distance or off premises that the trader has to inform the consumer about the possibility of having recourse to an out - of - court complaint and redress mechanism to which the trader is subject , and the methods for having access to it , before the consumer is bound by the contract . article 7 of directive 2011 / 83 / eu provides that , in the case of off - premises contracts , this information must be provided on paper or , if the consumer agrees , on another durable medium . ### when a dispute arises it is necessary that consumers are able to identify quickly which adr entities are competent to deal with their complaint and to know whether or not the trader concerned will participate in proceedings submitted to an adr entity . traders who commit to use adr entities should inform consumers about the address or website of the relevant adr entity or entities by which they are covered . the information should be mentioned in a clear , comprehensible and easily and permanently accessible way on their website , where they have one , and in general terms and conditions applicable to contracts for the sale of goods or provision of services between the trader and a consumer , or in other appropriate documents , for instance pre - contractual documents , invoices and receipts .


### this directive does not prescribe that participation of traders in adr procedures be mandatory or that the outcome of such procedures be binding on traders , when a consumer has lodged a complaint against them . however , this directive is without prejudice to any national rules making the participation of traders in such procedures mandatory or their outcome binding on traders , provided that such legislation does not prevent the parties from exercising their right of access to the judicial system as guaranteed in article 47 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union . ### this directive does not prescribe that participation of traders in adr procedures be mandatory . however , this directive is without prejudice to any national rules making the participation of traders in such procedures mandatory or their outcome binding on traders , provided that such legislation does not prevent the parties from exercising their right of access to the judicial system as guaranteed in article 47 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union .


### this directive shall apply to procedures for the out - of - court resolution of contractual disputes arising from the sale of goods or provision of services by a trader established in the union to a consumer resident in the union through the intervention of a dispute resolution entity which proposes or imposes a solution or brings the parties together with the aim of facilitating an amicable solution , hereinafter ' adr procedures ' . ### this directive shall apply to procedures for the out - of - court resolution of contractual disputes arising from the sale of goods or provision of services by a trader established in the union to a consumer resident in the union through the intervention of a dispute resolution entity which proposes or imposes a solution or brings the parties together with the aim of facilitating an amicable solution , hereinafter ' adr procedures ' . the member states may decide that decisions taken by their national adr entities shall be binding on traders , unless one of the parties wishes to have the dispute resolved in court .


### ' consumer ' means any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside his trade , business , craft or profession ; ### &#8220 ; consumer&#8221 ; means any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside his trade , business , craft or profession or who concludes a contract for purposes that are partly inside and partly outside the person ' s trade where the trade purpose is so limited as not to be predominant in the overall context of the supply ;


### ‘ adr entity’ means any entity , however named or referred to , which is established on a durable basis and offers the resolution of a dispute through an adr procedure ; ### ‘ adr entity’ means any entity that seeks the out - of - court resolution of a dispute , which is established on a durable basis , complies with the quality criteria set out in chapter ii of this directive and has been notified to the commission in accordance with article 17


### enable the parties to exchange information with them via electronic means ; ### assist the exchange of information between the parties via electronic means ;


### possess the necessary knowledge , skills and experience in the field of alternative dispute resolution ; ### possess the necessary proven knowledge , skills and experience in the field of dispute resolution ;


### where appropriate , their membership in networks of adr entities facilitating cross - border dispute resolution ; ### their membership in networks of adr entities facilitating cross - border dispute resolution , if applicable ;


### the rules of procedure governing the resolution of a dispute ; ### the rules of procedure governing the resolution of a dispute and the reasons for which an entity may refuse to deal with a dispute ;


### the approximate length of the adr procedure ; ### the average length of the adr procedure ;


### any recurrent problems leading to disputes between consumers and traders ; ### any systematic problems that occur frequently and lead to disputes between consumers and traders , and recommendations on how such problems can be avoided or resolved ;


### any recurrent problems leading to disputes between consumers and traders ; ### any systematic problems that occur frequently and lead to disputes between consumers and traders ;


### the rate of dispute resolution procedures which were discontinued before an outcome was reached ; ### the rate of dispute resolution procedures which were discontinued and the reasons for their discontinuation ;


### where appropriate , their cooperation within networks of adr entities facilitating the resolution of cross - border disputes . ### their cooperation within networks of adr entities facilitating the resolution of cross - border disputes , if applicable .


### the parties have access to the procedure without being obliged to use a legal representative ; nonetheless parties may be represented or assisted by a third party at any stage of the procedure ; ### the parties have access to the procedure without being obliged to use a legal representative . the procedure shall not deprive the parties of their right to independent advice or to be represented or assisted by a third party at any stage of the procedure ;


### the dispute is resolved within 90 days from the date on which the adr entity has received the complaint . in the case of complex disputes , the adr entity may extend this time period . ### disputes are normally resolved within a timeframe of 90 calendar days from the time when the adr entity officially opens the procedure , however , in certain disputes , especially those of a highly complex or technical nature , the person or collegial body in charge may , at their discretion , extend the 90 day timeframe in order to guarantee high - quality dispute resolution ;


### member states shall ensure that in adr procedures : ### member states shall ensure that adr procedures :


### the parties have the possibility to express their point of view and hear the arguments and facts put forward by the other party and any experts ' statements ; ### allow the parties to express their point of view , to be provided with and comment upon the arguments , evidence , documents and facts put forward by the other party , including any statements and opinions given by experts ;


### the outcome of the adr procedure is made available to both parties in writing or on a durable medium , stating the grounds on which the outcome is based . ### notify the parties of the outcome of the adr procedure in writing or on a durable medium , stating the grounds on which the outcome is based .


### member states shall ensure that in adr procedures which aim at resolving the dispute by suggesting a solution ### in adr procedures which aim at resolving the dispute by proposing a solution , member states shall ensure that :


### he has the choice as to whether or not to agree to a suggested solution ; ### have the choice as to whether or not to agree to the proposed solution ;


### the suggested solution may be less favourable than an outcome determined by a court applying legal rules ; ### the suggested solution complies with such binding legal rules as may exist in the member state in which the dispute resolution takes place ;


### member states shall ensure that consumers can obtain assistance with regard to their disputes arising from cross - border sales of goods or provision of services . such assistance shall in particular aim at helping consumers to access the adr entity operating in another member state which is competent to deal with their cross - border dispute . ### member states shall ensure , with regard to disputes arising from cross - border sales of goods or provision of services , that consumers can obtain assistance to access the adr entity operating in another member state which is competent to deal with their cross - border dispute .


### member states may confer responsibility for the task referred to in paragraph 1 on their centres of the european consumer centre network , on consumer associations or on any other body . ### member states shall confer responsibility for the task referred to in paragraph 1 on their centres of the european consumer centre network .


### a reasoned statement , based on a self - assessment by the adr entity , on whether it qualifies as an adr entity falling within the scope of this directive and complies with the requirements set out in chapter ii . ### a reasoned statement on whether the entity qualifies as an adr entity falling within the scope of this directive and complies with the quality criteria set out in chapter ii .


### member states shall ensure that adr entities communicate to the competent authorities at least once a year the following information : ### member states shall ensure that adr entities communicate to the competent authorities every two years information on :


### each competent authority shall assess , on the basis of the information it has received in accordance with article 16 , whether the adr entities notified to it qualify as adr entities falling within the scope of this directive and comply with the requirements set out in chapter ii . ### each competent authority shall assess , on the basis of an objective independent evaluation and of the information it has received in accordance with article 16 , whether the adr entities notified to it qualify as adr entities falling within the scope of this directive and comply with the quality criteria set out in chapter ii .


### each competent authority shall , on the basis of the assessment referred to in paragraph 1 , establish a list of the adr entities that fulfil the conditions set out in paragraph 1 . ### each competent authority shall , on the basis of the assessment referred to in paragraph 1 , establish a list of the adr entities that fulfil the conditions set out in paragraph 1 . the competent authority shall not refuse to notify and list an adr entity if it complies with the requirements set out in this directive .


### each competent authority shall notify the list to the commission . in the event that any changes are notified to the competent authority in accordance with the second subparagraph of article 16 , the list shall be updated immediately and the relevant information notified to the commission . ### each competent authority shall notify the list to the commission . in accordance with the second subparagraph of article 16 , if any changes are notified to the competent authority , the list shall be updated immediately and the relevant information notified to the commission . if an adr entity no longer complies with the requirements set out in this directive , the competent authority shall remove it from the list .


### the commission shall establish a list of the adr entities communicated to it in accordance with paragraph 2 and update this list whenever changes are notified to the commission in accordance with the second sentence of the third subparagraph of paragraph 2 . the commission shall publish this list and its updates and transmit it to the competent authorities and the member states . ### the commission shall establish a list of the notified adr entities communicated to it in accordance with paragraph 2 and update this list whenever changes are notified to the commission in accordance with the second sentence of the third subparagraph of paragraph 2 . the commission shall publish this list and its updates and transmit it to the competent authorities and the member states , consumers and trade organisations and the european consumer centre network .


### each competent authority shall publish the consolidated list of adr entities referred to in paragraph 3 on its website and by any other means it considers appropriate . ### each competent authority shall publish the consolidated list of adr entities referred to in paragraph 3 on its website and on a durable medium where appropriate .


### identify areas , if any , where adr procedures do not yet deal with disputes covered by this directive ; ### identify areas and sectors , if any , where adr procedures do not yet deal with disputes covered by this directive ;


### make recommendations on how to improve the functioning of adr entities , where appropriate . ### make recommendations on how to improve the effective and efficient functioning of adr entities , where appropriate .


### no later than [ office of publications insert date : five years after the entry into force ] , and every three years thereafter , the commission shall submit to the european parliament , the council and the european economic and social committee a report on the application of this directive . the report shall consider the development and the use of adr entities and the impact of this directive on consumers and traders . the report shall be accompanied , where appropriate , by proposals for amendment of this directive . ### not later than . . . * and every four years thereafter , the commission shall submit to the european parliament , the council and the european economic and social committee a report on the application of this directive . that report shall consider the development and the use of adr entities and the impact of this directive on consumers and traders . the report shall be accompanied , where appropriate , by proposals for amendment of this directive . _____________ * oj : please insert the date : five years after the entry into force of this directive .


### an investigation shall be initiated upon request by a member state , by any legal person or any association not having legal personality , acting on behalf of the union industry , or on the commission ' s own initiative if it is apparent to the commission that there is sufficient prima facie evidence , as determined on the basis of factors referred to in article 4 , to justify such initiation . ### an investigation shall be initiated upon request by a member state , by any legal person or any association not having legal personality , acting on behalf of the union industry , by the european parliament or interested parties , or on the commission ' s own initiative if it is apparent to the commission that there is sufficient prima facie evidence , as determined on the basis of factors referred to in article&#160 ; 4 , to justify such initiation .


### an investigation may also be initiated in the event that there is a surge of imports concentrated in one or several member states , provided that there is sufficient prima facie evidence that the conditions for initiation are met , as determined on the basis of factors referred to in article 4 . ### an investigation may also be initiated in the event that there is a surge of imports concentrated in one or several member states or outermost regions , provided that there is sufficient prima facie evidence that the conditions for initiation are met , as determined on the basis of factors referred to in article 4 .


### in the investigation , the commission shall evaluate all relevant factors of an objective and quantifiable nature having a bearing on the situation of the union industry , in particular , the rate and amount of the increase in imports of the product concerned in absolute and relative terms , the share of the domestic market taken by increased imports and changes in the level of sales , production , productivity , capacity utilisation , profits and losses , and employment . this list is not exhaustive and other relevant factors may also be taken into consideration by the commission for its determination of the existence of serious injury or threat of serious injury , such as stocks , prices , return on capital employed , cash flow , and other factors which are causing or may have caused serious injury , or threaten to cause serious injury to the union industry . ### in the investigation , the commission shall evaluate all relevant factors of an objective and quantifiable nature having a bearing on the situation of the union industry , in particular , the rate and amount of the increase in imports of the product concerned in absolute and relative terms , the share of the domestic market taken by increased imports and changes in the level of sales , production , productivity , capacity utilisation , profits and losses , and employment and working conditions . this list is not exhaustive and other relevant factors may also be taken into consideration by the commission for its determination of the existence of serious injury or threat of serious injury , such as stocks , prices , return on capital employed , cash flow , effects on employment and other factors which are causing or may have caused serious injury , or threaten to cause serious injury to the union industry .


### union assistance under this regulation is designed to complement the various other tools for implementing of union policies on democracy and human rights , which range from political dialogue and diplomatic demarches to various instruments for financial and technical cooperation , including both geographic and thematic programmes . it will also complement the more crisis - related actions under the instrument for stability . ### union assistance under this regulation is designed to complement the various other tools for implementing of union policies on democracy and human rights , which range from political dialogue and diplomatic demarches to various instruments for financial and technical cooperation , including both geographic and thematic programmes . it will also be complementary to but separate from the more crisis - related actions under the instrument for stability and a future european endowment for democracy .


### the promotion and protection of gender equality , the rights of the child , rights of indigenous peoples , rights of persons with disabilities , and principles such as empowerment , participation , non - discrimination of vulnerable groups and accountability shall be taken into account whenever relevant for all assistance measures referred to in this regulation . ### the promotion and protection of gender equality , the rights of the child , rights of indigenous peoples , rights of persons with disabilities , lgbt rights , and principles such as empowerment , participation , non - discrimination of vulnerable groups and accountability shall be taken into account whenever relevant by all assistance measures referred to in this regulation .


### the promotion and protection of gender equality , the rights of the child , rights of indigenous peoples , rights of persons with disabilities , and principles such as empowerment , participation , non - discrimination of vulnerable groups and accountability shall be taken into account whenever relevant for all assistance measures referred to in this regulation . ### the promotion and protection of gender equality , the rights of the child , rights of indigenous peoples , rights of persons with disabilities , rights of minorities , and principles such as empowerment , participation , non - discrimination of vulnerable groups and accountability shall be taken into account whenever relevant for all assistance measures referred to in this regulation .


### information for local communities as well as training for the staff of local authorities , who will be interacting with those being received ; ### information for local communities as well as training for the staff of local authorities , who will be interacting with those being received , especially on compliance with fundamental rights of asylum seekers ;


### setting - up of administrative structures , systems and training of staff and relevant judicial authorities to ensure smooth access to asylum procedures for asylum seekers and efficient and quality asylum procedures . ### setting - up of administrative structures , systems and training of staff and relevant judicial authorities to ensure smooth access to asylum procedures for asylum seekers and efficient and quality asylum procedures complying with the fundamental rights of asylum seekers .


### establishment of appropriate infrastructure and services to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of resettlement and relocation actions ; ### establishment of appropriate infrastructure and services to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of resettlement and relocation actions , complying with the fundamental rights of the persons concerned ;


### furthering intercultural capacities of implementing organisations providing public and private services , including educational institutions , promoting the exchange of experience and good practices , cooperation and networking ; ### furthering capacities of implementing organisations providing public and private services , including educational institutions , in the field of interculturality and of human rights ; promoting the exchange of experience and good practices , cooperation and networking ;


### setting up of administrative structures , systems and training of staff to ensure smooth return procedures ; ### setting up of administrative structures , systems and training of staff to ensure that return procedures are smooth and fully protect the fundamental rights of migrants ;


### studies on possible new forms of union cooperation in the field of asylum , immigration , integration and return and relevant eu law , the dissemination and exchange of information on best practices and on all other aspects of asylum , immigration , integration and return policies , including corporate communication on the political priorities of the union ; ### studies on possible new forms of union cooperation in the field of asylum , immigration , integration and return and relevant eu law , the dissemination and exchange of information on best practices and on all other aspects of asylum , immigration , integration and return policies , including corporate communication on the political priorities of the union and the respect of fundamental rights of persons defined in the categories of persons in article 4 ;


### telecommunications networks and services are increasingly becoming internet - based infrastructures , with broadband networks and digital services closely interrelated . the internet is becoming the dominant platform for communication , services , and doing business . therefore , the trans - european availability of fast internet access and digital services in the public interest is essential for economic growth and the single market . ### telecommunications networks and services are increasingly becoming internet - based infrastructures , with broadband networks and digital services closely interrelated . the internet is becoming the dominant platform for communication , services , education , cultural content and doing business . therefore , the trans - european availability of fast internet access at affordable prices and digital services in the public interest is essential for economic growth , the single market and the digital integration of people and of entire economically and culturally deprived areas .


### telecommunications networks and services are increasingly becoming internet - based infrastructures , with broadband networks and digital services closely interrelated . the internet is becoming the dominant platform for communication , services , and doing business . therefore , the trans - european availability of fast internet access and digital services in the public interest is essential for economic growth and the single market . ### telecommunications networks and services are increasingly becoming internet - based infrastructures , with broadband networks and digital services closely interrelated . the internet is becoming the dominant platform for communication , services , and doing business . therefore , the trans - european availability of fast internet access and digital services in the public interest is essential for social and cultural development , economic growth and the single market .


### on 26 march 2010 , the european council welcomed the commission ' s proposal to launch the strategy europe 2020 . one of the three priorities of europe 2020 is smart growth through the development of an economy based on knowledge and innovation . investments in telecommunications , notably broadband networks and digital service infrastructures , are a necessary condition for smart but also sustainable and inclusive economic growth of the union . ### on 26 march 2010 , the european council welcomed the commission ' s proposal to launch the strategy europe 2020 . one of the three priorities of europe 2020 is smart growth through the development of an economy based on knowledge and innovation . investments in telecommunications , notably broadband networks and digital service infrastructures , are a necessary condition for smart but also sustainable and inclusive economic growth and social and cultural participation by citizens in the union .


### on 26 march 2010 , the european council welcomed the commission ' s proposal to launch the strategy europe 2020 . one of the three priorities of europe 2020 is smart growth through the development of an economy based on knowledge and innovation . investments in telecommunications , notably broadband networks and digital service infrastructures , are a necessary condition for smart but also sustainable and inclusive economic growth of the union . ### on 26 march 2010 , the european council welcomed the commission ' s proposal to launch the strategy europe 2020 . one of the three priorities of europe 2020 is smart growth through the development of an economy based on knowledge and innovation . investments in telecommunications , notably broadband networks and digital service infrastructures , are a necessary condition for smart but also sustainable and inclusive social , cultural and economic growth of the union .


### on 17 june 2010 , the european council endorsed the digital agenda for europe8 and called upon all institutions to engage in its full implementation . the digital agenda aims to chart a course to maximise the social and economic potential of information and communication technologies , in particular through the deployment of high - speed broadband networks by seeking to ensure that by 2020 all europeans have access to internet speeds of above 30 mbps and 50% or more of european households subscribe to internet connections above 100 mbps . the digital agenda aims to establish a stable legal framework to stimulate investments in an open and competitive high speed internet infrastructure and in related services ; a true single market for online content and services ; active support for the digitisation of europe ' s rich cultural heritage , and the promotion of internet access and take - up by all , especially through support of digital literacy and accessibility . in addition , member states should implement operational national plans for high speed internet , targeting public funding on areas not fully served by private investments in internet infrastructures and promote deployment and usage of modern accessible online services . ### on 17 june 2010 , the european council endorsed the digital agenda for europe8 and called upon all institutions to engage in its full implementation . the digital agenda aims to chart a course to maximise the social , cultural and economic potential of information and communication technologies , in particular through the deployment of high - speed broadband networks by seeking to ensure that by 2020 all europeans have access to internet speeds of above 30 mbps and 50% or more of european households subscribe to internet connections above 100 mbps . the digital agenda aims to establish a stable legal framework to stimulate investments in an open and competitive high speed internet infrastructure and in related services ; a true single market for online content and services ; active support for the digitisation of europe ' s rich cultural heritage , and the promotion of internet access and take - up by all , especially through support of digital literacy and accessibility . in addition , member states should implement operational national plans for high speed internet , targeting public funding on areas not fully served by private investments in internet infrastructures and promote deployment and usage of modern accessible online services .


### the communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions - european broadband : investing in digitally driven growth9 concludes that the critical role of the internet means that the benefits for society as a whole appear to be much greater than the private incentives to invest in faster networks . public support for this area is therefore necessary , but should not unduly distort competition . ### communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions - european broadband : investing in digitally driven growth9 concludes that the critical role of the internet means that the benefits for society as a whole appear to be much greater than the private incentives to invest in faster networks . public support for this area is therefore necessary , particularly in rural areas , but should not unduly distort competition .


### within the framework of a system of open and competitive markets , the union ' s intervention is necessary where market failures need to be overcome . by providing financial support and additional financing leverage to infrastructure projects the union can contribute to the establishment and development of trans - european networks in the area of telecommunications , thus generating higher benefits in terms of market impact , administrative efficiency and resource utilisation . ### within the framework of a system of open and competitive markets , the union ' s intervention is necessary where market failures need to be overcome . by providing financial support and additional financing leverage to infrastructure projects the union can contribute to the establishment and development of trans - european networks in the area of telecommunications , thus generating higher benefits in terms of market impact , administrative efficiency and resource utilisation . in the projects to be financed , account should be taken of the principle of technological neutrality , which is vital for an open internet .


### substantial economic and social benefits , which cannot be captured nor monetised by investors , are associated with higher broadband speeds . fast and ultra - fast broadband is the key enabling infrastructure for the development and deployment of digital services , which rely on the availability , speed , reliability and resilience of the physical networks . the deployment and take - up of faster networks opens the way for innovative services exploiting higher speeds . action at union level is necessary to maximise the synergies and interactions between those two components of digital telecommunications networks . ### substantial economic , social and cultural benefits , which cannot be captured nor monetised by investors , are associated with higher broadband speeds . fast and ultra - fast broadband is the key enabling infrastructure for the development and deployment of digital services , which rely on the availability , speed , reliability and resilience of the physical networks . the comprehensive deployment and take - up of faster networks opens the way for innovative services exploiting higher speeds . action at union level is necessary to maximise the synergies and interactions between those two components of digital telecommunications networks .


### the deployment of ultra - fast broadband will particularly benefit small and medium enterprises which often cannot benefit from web - based services such as ' cloud computing ' due to inadequate connectivity and speed of existing broadband connections . this will unlock the potential for substantial productivity gains for smes . ### innovative internet services , modern software and communications applications and mobile devices with internet connections call for constantly rising data rates . the deployment of ultra - fast broadband will particularly benefit small and medium enterprises and the cultural and creative industries , which often cannot benefit from web - based services such as ' cloud computing ' due to inadequate connectivity and speed of existing broadband connections . this will unlock the potential for substantial productivity gains for smes and the cultural and creative industries . the aim should therefore be to create connections with high data rates even in rural areas .


### increasing and preserving access to europe ' s rich and diverse cultural content and data held by public sector bodies , and opening them up for reuse in full respect of copyright and related rights , will nurture creativity and spur innovation and entrepreneurship . unhampered access to re - usable multilingual resources will help overcome language barriers , which undermine the internal market for online services and limit access to knowledge . ### increasing and preserving access to europe ' s rich and diverse cultural content and data held by public sector bodies , and opening them up for reuse in full respect of copyright and related rights , will underpin european cohesion , will disseminate european ideals , will nurture creativity and spur innovation and entrepreneurship . unhampered access to re - usable multilingual resources will help overcome language barriers , which undermine the internal market for online services and limit access to knowledge .


### in order to take into account the developments in the areas of information and communication technologies , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of amending the annex to this regulation . it is of particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the objective of this delegation is to address new technological and market developments , emerging political priorities or opportunities for exploiting synergies between different infrastructures , including those in the fields of transport and energy . the scope of delegation is limited to modifying the description of projects of common interest , adding a project of common interest or removing an obsolete project of common interest according to pre - established , clear and transparent criteria . ### in order to take into account the developments in the areas of information and communication technologies , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of amending the annex to this regulation . it is of particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level and at regional and local level . the objective of this delegation is to address new technological and market developments , emerging political priorities or opportunities for exploiting synergies between different infrastructures , including those in the fields of transport and energy . the scope of delegation is limited to modifying the description of projects of common interest , adding a project of common interest or removing an obsolete project of common interest according to pre - established , clear and transparent criteria .


### contribute to economic growth and support the development of the single market resulting in the improvement of the competitiveness of the european economy , including small and medium sized enterprises . ### contribute to economic growth , support the development of the single market and promote the digital integration of entire economically and culturally deprived areas , resulting in the improvement of the competitiveness of the european economy , including small and medium sized enterprises .


### stimulate europe - wide deployment of fast and ultra - fast broadband networks which , in turn , shall facilitate the development and deployment of trans - european digital services . ### stimulate the europe - wide deployment of fast and ultra - fast broadband networks in accordance with the principle of technological neutrality with the emphasis on rural areas , which , in turn , shall facilitate the development and deployment of trans - european digital services .


### the deployment of ultra fast broadband networks ensuring the speed of data transmission of 100 mbps and above ; ### the deployment of comprehensive ultra fast broadband networks ensuring the speed of data transmission of 100 mbps and above ;


### the deployment of broadband networks to link island , landlocked and peripheral regions with the central regions of the union ensuring in those regions that speeds of data transmission are sufficient to permit broadband connectivity of 30 mbps and above ; ### the deployment of broadband networks with suitable funding to link island , mountain , landlocked and peripheral regions with the central regions of the union ensuring in those regions that speeds of data transmission are sufficient to permit broadband connectivity of 30 mbps and above


### actions contributing to projects of common interest shall be eligible for eu financial support under the conditions and instruments available under the regulation establishing the connecting europe facility [ ref ] . financial support shall be provided in accordance with the relevant rules and procedures adopted by the union , funding priorities and the availability of resources . ### actions contributing to projects of common interest and necessary to ensure the provision of broadband services shall be eligible for eu financial support under the conditions and instruments available under the regulation establishing the connecting europe facility [ ref ] . financial support shall be provided in accordance with the relevant rules and procedures adopted by the union , funding priorities and the availability of resources .


### the union may establish contacts , discuss , exchange information and cooperate with public authorities or any other organisations in third countries to achieve any objective pursued by these guidelines where such cooperation gives rise to a european added value . among other objectives , this cooperation shall seek to promote the interoperability between the trans - european telecommunication networks and telecommunication networks of third countries . ### the union may establish contacts , discuss , exchange information and cooperate with public authorities or any other organisations in third countries , where this is in the public interest , to achieve any objective pursued by these guidelines where such cooperation gives rise to a european added value . among other objectives , this cooperation shall seek to promote the interoperability between the trans - european telecommunication networks and telecommunication networks of third countries .


### the union may further establish contacts , discuss , exchange information and cooperate with international organisations and legal entities established in third countries to achieve any objective pursued by these guidelines . ### the union may further establish contacts , discuss , exchange information and cooperate with international organisations and legal entities established in third countries to achieve any objective pursued by these guidelines which is in the public interest .


### the deployment and enhancement of trans - european telecommunication networks shall contribute to fostering economic growth , creating jobs and achieving a vibrant digital single market . in particular , their deployment will grant faster access to the internet , bring about information technology - enabled improvements in daily life for citizens , including children and young persons , businesses and governments , increase interoperability and facilitate the alignment or convergence to commonly agreed standards . ### the deployment and enhancement of trans - european telecommunication networks shall contribute to fostering economic growth , creating jobs , promoting europe’s cultural heritage and achieving a vibrant digital single market . in particular , their deployment will grant faster access to the internet , bring about information technology - enabled improvements in daily life for citizens , including children and young persons , businesses and governments , increase interoperability and facilitate the alignment or convergence to commonly agreed standards .


### the deployment and enhancement of trans - european telecommunication networks shall contribute to fostering economic growth , creating jobs and achieving a vibrant digital single market . in particular , their deployment will grant faster access to the internet , bring about information technology - enabled improvements in daily life for citizens , including children and young persons , businesses and governments , increase interoperability and facilitate the alignment or convergence to commonly agreed standards . ### the deployment and enhancement of trans - european telecommunication networks shall contribute to fostering economic growth , creating jobs and achieving a vibrant digital single market and shall support social cohesion and cultural convergence . in particular , their deployment will grant faster access to the internet , bring about information technology - enabled improvements in daily life for citizens , including children and young persons , businesses and governments , increase interoperability and facilitate the alignment or convergence to commonly agreed standards .


### the deployment of broadband networks to connect island , landlocked and peripheral regions with central regions of the union , including where necessary submarine cables , will be supported where it is essential to ensure access by isolated communities to broadband at 30 mbps and above . this support should complement other funds , whether eu or national , available for this purpose . ### the deployment of broadband networks to connect island , mountain , landlocked and peripheral regions with central regions of the union , including where necessary submarine cables , will be supported where it is essential to ensure access by isolated communities to broadband at 30 mbps and above . this support should complement other funds , whether eu or national , available for this purpose .


### the provisions on pharmacovigilance relating to medicinal products of human use laid down in regulation no 726 / 2004 and directive 2001 / 83 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 6 november 2001 on the community code relating to medicinal products for human use12 were amended by directive 2010 / 84 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 15 december 2010 amending , as regards pharmacovigilance , directive 2001 / 83 / ec on the community code relating to medicinal products for human use13 , regulation no 1235 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council of 15 december 2010 amending , as regards pharmacovigilance of medicinal products for human use , regulation no 726 / 2004 laying down community procedures for the authorisation and supervision of medicinal products for human and veterinary use and establishing a european medicines agency , and regulation no 1394 / 2007 on advanced therapy medicinal products14 , directive 2012 / 26 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2012 amending directive 2001 / 83 / ec as regards pharmacovigilance15 and regulation no 1027 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2012 amending regulation no 726 / 2004 as regards pharmacovigilance16 . those amendments only cover medicinal products for human use . those amendments provide for new pharmacovigilance tasks for the agency including union - wide pharmacovigilance procedures , the monitoring of literature cases , the improved information technology tools and the provision of more information to the general public . furthermore , the pharmacovigilance legislation stipulates that the agency should be enabled to fund those activities from fees charged to marketing authorisation holders . new categories of fees should therefore be created to cover the new and specific tasks of the agency . __________________ 12 oj l 311 , 28 . 11 . 2001 , p . 67 . 13 oj l 348 , 31 . 12 . 2010 , p . 74 . 14 oj l 348 , 31 . 12 . 2010 , p . 1 . 15 oj l 299 , 27 . 10 . 2012 , p . 1 . 16 oj l 316 , 14 . 11 . 2012 , p . 38 . ### the provisions on pharmacovigilance relating to medicinal products of human use laid down in regulation no 726 / 2004 and directive 2001 / 83 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 6 november 2001 on the community code relating to medicinal products for human use12 were amended by directive 2010 / 84 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 15 december 2010 amending , as regards pharmacovigilance , directive 2001 / 83 / ec on the community code relating to medicinal products for human use13 , regulation no 1235 / 2010 of the european parliament and of the council of 15 december 2010 amending , as regards pharmacovigilance of medicinal products for human use , regulation no 726 / 2004 laying down community procedures for the authorisation and supervision of medicinal products for human and veterinary use and establishing a european medicines agency , and regulation no 1394 / 2007 on advanced therapy medicinal products14 , directive 2012 / 26 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2012 amending directive 2001 / 83 / ec as regards pharmacovigilance15 and regulation no 1027 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council of 25 october 2012 amending regulation no 726 / 2004 as regards pharmacovigilance16 . those amendments only cover medicinal products for human use . those amendments provide for new pharmacovigilance tasks for the agency including union - wide pharmacovigilance procedures , the monitoring of literature cases , the improved information technology tools and the provision of more information to the general public . furthermore , the pharmacovigilance legislation stipulates that the agency should be enabled to fund those activities from fees charged to marketing authorisation holders and a contribution from the union . new categories of fees should therefore be created to cover the new and specific tasks of the agency . the european parliament and the council should examine the level of the union contribution on the basis of an evaluation of needs and taking account of the level of fees . the level of the fees charged to marketing authorisation holders will take into account the current financial situation and entrepreneurial environment of member states . __________________ 12 oj l 311 , 28 . 11 . 2001 , p . 67 . 13 oj l 348 , 31 . 12 . 2010 , p . 74 . 14 oj l 348 , 31 . 12 . 2010 , p . 1 . 15 oj l 299 , 27 . 10 . 2012 , p . 1 . 16 oj l 316 , 14 . 11 . 2012 , p . 38 .


### two different types of fees should be levied under this regulation in order to take account of the diversity of tasks of the agency and of the rapporteurs . firstly , fees for the pharmacovigilance procedures carried out at union level should be charged to those marketing authorisation holders whose medicinal products are part of the procedure . those procedures relate to the assessment of periodic safety update reports , assessment of post - authorisation safety studies and assessments in the context of referrals initiated as a result of pharmacovigilance data . secondly , an annual flat fee should be charged for other pharmacovigilance activities carried out by the agency that benefit marketing authorisation holders overall . those activities relate to information technology , notably maintenance of the ' eudravigilance ' database referred to in article 24 of regulation no 726 / 2004 signal detection and monitoring of selected medical literature . ### two different types of fees should be levied under this regulation in order to take account of the diversity of tasks of the agency and of the rapporteurs . firstly , fees for the pharmacovigilance procedures carried out at union level should be charged to those marketing authorisation holders whose medicinal products are part of the procedure . those procedures relate to the assessment of periodic safety update reports , assessment of post - authorisation safety studies and assessments in the context of referrals initiated as a result of pharmacovigilance data . secondly , an annual flat fee should be charged for other pharmacovigilance activities carried out by the agency that benefit marketing authorisation holders overall . those activities relate to information technology , notably maintenance of the ' eudravigilance ' database referred to in article 24 of regulation no 726 / 2004 and monitoring of selected medical literature .