### 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 contractual disputes initiated by consumers against traders that are arising from the sale of goods or provision of services , both offline and online , including the supply of digital content for remuneration , in all economic sectors . this directive should not apply to non economic services of general interest , which are not performed for financial gain . this directive should not apply to any disputes or complaints submitted by traders against consumers , or to disputes between traders ; however , this directive 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 shall ensure that disputes covered by this directive can be submitted to an adr entity which complies with the requirements set out in this directive . ### member states shall facilitate access by consumers to adr procedures and shall ensure that disputes covered by this directive can be submitted to adr entities which comply with the quality criteria set out in this directive if both the trader and the consumer agree to do so .


### the adr procedure is easily accessible to both parties irrespective of where the party is situated ; ### the adr procedure is available and accessible both online and offline irrespective of where the parties are situated ;


### adr procedures should be free of charge or of moderate costs for consumers so that it remains economically reasonable for consumers to use such procedures . ### adr procedures should be free of charge or of moderate costs for consumers so that it remains economically reasonable for consumers to use such procedures . in the event that costs are applied , they should be reasonable , proportionate and modest to ensure that the adr procedure is accessible , attractive and at a low cost for consumers . this should not restrict the ability of dispute resolution services which already operate by charging businesses for their services on a case by case basis or an industry - wide levy .


### 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 .


### 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 .


### 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 .


### ‘ 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


### 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 domestic and cross - border 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 .


### 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 .


### this directive is to contribute to the functioning of the internal market and to the achievement of a high level of consumer protection by ensuring that disputes between consumers and traders can be submitted to entities offering impartial , transparent , effective and fair alternative dispute resolution procedures . ### this directive aims to contribute to the functioning of the internal market and to the achievement of a high level of consumer protection by ensuring that disputes can be submitted on a voluntary basis by consumers against traders to impartial , transparent , and independent adr entities offering fast , effective and fair alternative dispute resolution procedures .


### the adr procedure is free of charge or at moderate costs for consumers ; ### the adr procedure is preferably free of charge for the consumer or , if not , at a nominal cost ;


### procedures before dispute resolution entities where the natural persons in charge of dispute resolution are employed exclusively by the trader ; ### procedures before dispute resolution entities where the natural persons in charge of dispute resolution are employed by or receive any form of remuneration exclusively from the trader .


### every two years , each competent authority shall publish a report on the development and functioning of adr entities . the report shall in particular : ### by 31 december 2015 and every three years thereafter , each competent authority shall publish a report on the development and functioning of adr entities . the report shall in particular :


### 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 ;


### each member state shall designate a competent authority in charge of monitoring the functioning and development of adr entities established on its territory . each member state shall communicate the authority it has designated to the commission . ### each member state shall designate a competent authority in charge of monitoring the functioning and development of adr entities established on its territory . each member state may designate more than one competent authority ; in that case it shall determine which of those competent authorities is the single liaison office for the commission . each member state shall communicate the competent authority or , where appropriate , authorities , including the single liaison office , it has designated to the commission .


### this directive should prevail over union legislation which contains provisions aimed at encouraging the setting up of adr entities in a specific sector . where sector - specific legislation mandates the setting up of such entities , this directive should prevail only to the extent that such legislation does not ensure at least an equivalent degree of consumer protection . ### this directive should prevail over union legislation which contains provisions aimed at encouraging the setting up of adr entities in a specific sector . where sector - specific legislation mandates the setting up of adr entities , this directive should prevail only to the extent that the sector - specific legislation does not ensure at least an equivalent degree of consumer protection .


### the parties , before expressing their consent to a suggested solution or amicable agreement , are allowed a reasonable period of time to reflect . ### the parties , before giving their consent to a proposed solution or amicable agreement , are allowed a reasonable period of time to reflect .


### member states shall ensure that adr entities , consumer associations , business associations , the centres of the european consumer centre network and , where appropriate , the bodies designated in accordance with article 11 make publicly available at their premises and on their websites the list of adr entities referred to in article 17 . ### member states shall ensure that adr entities and the centres of the european consumer centre network make publicly available on their websites and whenever possible , on a durable medium at their premises the list of adr entities referred to in article 17 .


### 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 contractual disputes initiated by consumers against traders that are arising from the sale of goods or provision of services , both offline and online , in all economic sectors . this directive should not apply to any disputes or complaints submitted by traders against consumers , or to disputes between traders ; however , this directive should not prevent member states from adopting or maintaining in force provisions on procedures for the out - of - court resolution of such disputes .


### 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 . ### outcome of the adr procedure is made available within 120 days from the date on which the adr entity has received the complaint and all relevant documentation pertaining to that complaint . in the case of complex disputes or for other justified grounds , this time period may be exceeded .


### the adr procedure is free of charge or at moderate costs for consumers ; ### the adr procedure is preferably free of charge or , if not , at a nominal cost for consumers ;


### the suggested solution may be less favourable than an outcome determined by a court applying legal rules ; ### are informed that the proposed solution could be different from an outcome determined by a court applying legal rules ;


### this directive should be without prejudice to member states maintaining or introducing adr procedures dealing jointly with identical or similar disputes between a trader and several consumers . such procedures can be seen as a preliminary step to further developing collective adr procedures within the union . ### this directive should be without prejudice to member states maintaining or introducing adr procedures dealing jointly with identical or similar disputes between a trader and several consumers . such procedures can be seen as a preliminary step to further developing collective adr procedures within the union . the existence of an effective system for collective claims and easy recourse to adr should be complementary and they should not be mutually exclusive procedures .


### 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 .


### 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 contractual disputes initiated by consumers against traders that are arising from the sale of goods or provision of services , both offline and online , including the supply of digital content for remuneration , in all economic sectors . this directive should not apply to non economic services of general interest , which are not performed for financial gain . this directive should not apply to any disputes or complaints submitted by traders against consumers , or to disputes between traders ; however , this directive should not prevent member states from adopting or maintaining in force provisions on procedures for the out - of - court resolution of such disputes .


### before agreeing or rejecting the suggested solution he has the right to seek independent advice ; ### have the right to seek independent advice before agreeing , rejecting or following the proposed solution ;


### each member state shall designate a competent authority in charge of monitoring the functioning and development of adr entities established on its territory . each member state shall communicate the authority it has designated to the commission . ### each member state shall designate an authority as competent authority in terms of articles 16 and 17 . each member state may designate more than one competent authority . if a member state does so , it shall determine which of the competent authorities designated is the single point of contact for the commission among the competent authorities established on its territory . each member state shall communicate the authority or , where appropriate , the competent authorities including the single point of contact it has designated to the commission .


### 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 :


### 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 .


### 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 . ### the outcome of adr procedure is made available within 90 days from the date on which the adr entity has received the complaint and all relevant documentation pertaining to that complaint . in the case of complex disputes or for other justified grounds , this time period may be exceeded .


### 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 ;


### in order to ensure that adr entities function properly and effectively , they should be closely monitored . the commission and competent authorities under this directive should publish and update a list of adr entities that comply with this directive . other bodies , such as adr entities , consumer associations , business associations and the european consumer centre network , should also publish this list . in addition , competent authorities should publish regular reports on the development and functioning of adr entities . adr entities should notify to competent authorities specific information on which those reports should be based . member states should encourage adr entities to provide such information using commission recommendation 2010 / 304 / eu on the use of a harmonised methodology for classifying and reporting consumer complaints and enquiries . ### in order to ensure that adr entities function properly and effectively , member states should designate a competent authority or authorities which should closely monitor and supervise those entities . the commission and competent authorities under this directive should publish and update a list of adr entities that comply with this directive . other bodies , such as adr entities , consumer associations , business associations and the european consumer centre network , should also publish this list . in addition , competent authorities should publish regular reports on the development and functioning of adr entities in their member states , which will be monitored and assessed on a regular basis by the commission . adr entities should notify to competent authorities specific information on which those reports should be based . member states should encourage adr entities to provide such information using commission recommendation 2010 / 304 / eu on the use of a harmonised methodology for classifying and reporting consumer complaints and enquiries .


### adr procedures should be fair so that the parties to a dispute are fully informed about their rights and the consequences of the choices they make in the context of an adr procedure . ### adr procedures should be fair so that the parties to a dispute are fully informed about their rights and the consequences of the choices they make in the context of an adr procedure . the adr entities should inform consumers of their rights under legal provisions before they agree to or reject the imposed or proposed solution . both parties should also be able to submit their information and evidence without being physically present .


### the information referred to in paragraph 1 shall be mentioned in an easily , directly , prominently and permanently accessible way on the trader ' s website , where one exists , in the general terms and conditions of contracts for the sale of goods or provision of services between the trader and a consumer and in invoices and receipts relating to such contracts . it shall specify how further information on the adr entity concerned and on the conditions for using it can be accessed . ### the information referred to in paragraph 1 shall be mentioned in a clear , comprehensible and easily and permanently accessible way on the trader ' s website , where one exists , in the general terms and conditions of contracts for the sale of goods or provision of services between the trader and a consumer or other appropriate documents , for instance pre - contractual documents , invoices and receipts . it shall specify how further information on the adr entity concerned and on the conditions for using it can be accessed .


### member states shall ensure that disputes covered by this directive can be submitted to an adr entity which complies with the requirements set out in this directive . ### member states shall facilitate access by consumers to adr procedures and shall ensure that disputes covered by this directive which involve a trader established on its territory can be submitted to adr entities which comply with the quality criteria set out in this directive if both the trader and the consumer agree to do so .


### 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 .


### member states shall ensure that adr entities , consumer associations , business associations , the centres of the european consumer centre network and , where appropriate , the bodies designated in accordance with article 11 make publicly available at their premises and on their websites the list of adr entities referred to in article 17 . ### member states shall ensure that adr entities and the centres of the european consumer centre network make publicly available on their websites and whenever possible , on a durable medium at their premises the list of adr entities referred to in article 17 .


### 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 .


### 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 ;


### close cooperation between adr entities and national authorities entrusted with the enforcement of union legislation on consumer protection should strengthen the effective application of such union legislation . ### close cooperation between the commission , adr entities and national authorities entrusted with the enforcement of union legislation on consumer protection should strengthen the effective application of such union legislation . the commission should facilitate administrative cooperation between the member states and the adr entities by holding regular meetings with the different stakeholders to exchange best practice and technical expertise between adr entities and discuss any problems arising from the operation of adr schemes .


### 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 .


### 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 domestic and cross - border 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 .


### 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 .


### have a website enabling the parties to submit a complaint online ; ### maintain a website which provides the parties with all necessary information about the adr procedure in a clear and comprehensible manner , and which enables the consumer to submit a complaint online via email or other electronic means , as defined in regulation no . . . ; * . _____________ * oj : please insert the number of regulation of the european parliament and of the council on online dispute resolution for consumer disputes


### the parties , before agreeing to a suggested solution , are informed of the legal effect of such agreement ; ### the parties , before agreeing to a proposed solution , are informed of the legal effect of such agreement ;


### a separate annual trigger import volume is set for imports of products mentioned in paragraph 1 , as indicated in the third and fourth columns of the table in the annex to this regulation . once the trigger volume for either colombia or peru is met during the corresponding calendar year , the commission may , in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 12 , temporarily suspend the preferential customs duty applied to products of the corresponding origin during that same year for a period of time not exceeding three months , and not going beyond the end of the calendar year . ### a separate annual trigger import volume is set for imports of products mentioned in paragraph 1 , as indicated in the third and fourth columns of the table in the annex to this regulation . once the trigger volume for either colombia or peru is met during the corresponding calendar year , the commission shall , in accordance with the procedure referred to in article 12 , temporarily suspend the preferential customs duty applied to products of the corresponding origin during that same year for a period of time not exceeding three months , and not going beyond the end of the calendar year .


### a separate annual trigger import volume is set for imports of products mentioned in paragraph 1 , as indicated in the third and fourth columns of the table in the annex to this regulation . once the trigger volume for either colombia or peru is met during the corresponding calendar year , the commission may , in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 12 , temporarily suspend the preferential customs duty applied to products of the corresponding origin during that same year for a period of time not exceeding three months , and not going beyond the end of the calendar year . ### a separate annual trigger import volume is set for imports of products mentioned in paragraph 1 , as indicated in the third and fourth columns of the table in the annex to this regulation . once the trigger volume for either colombia or peru is met during the corresponding calendar year , the commission shall , in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 12 , temporarily suspend the preferential customs duty applied to products of the corresponding origin during that same year for a period of time not exceeding three months , and not going beyond the end of the calendar year . only reasons of force majeure shall prevent the suspension from being imposed .


### there should be detailed provisions on the initiation of proceedings . the commission should receive information including available evidence from the member states of any trends in imports which might call for the application of safeguard measures . ### there should be detailed provisions on the initiation of proceedings . the commission should receive information including available evidence from the member states and interested parties and request from the sectors involved , information of any trends in imports which might call for the application of safeguard measures .


### 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 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


### contribute to improvements in daily life for citizens , businesses and governments through the promotion of the interconnection and interoperability of national telecommunication networks as well as access to such networks . ### contribute to improvements in daily life for citizens , businesses and governments through the promotion of the interconnection and interoperability of national telecommunication networks as well as access to such networks at affordable prices .


### 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 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 . it must , however , remain possible for national , regional and local decision - makers to decide for themselves on the use of their information and to cover a large part of their costs arising from the performance of their public duties .


### where the member state has appointed a member of the pharmacovigilance risk assessment committee who acts as rapporteur for the referrals referred to in article 6 . ### where the member state has appointed a member of the pharmacovigilance risk assessment committee who acts as rapporteur for the referrals referred to in article 6 . in that case , member state which triggered the referral shall provide all necessary data on signals , but shall not be chosen as rapporteur or co - rapporteur for that referral .


### generic medicinal products , medicinal products authorised under the provisions relating to well - established medicinal use , authorised homeopathic medicinal products and authorised herbal medicinal products should be subject to a reduced annual flat fee as those products generally have a well - established safety profile . however , in cases where these products are part of any of the union - wide pharmacovigilance procedures , the full fee should be charged in view of the work involved . as the legislation on pharmacovigilance encourages the conduct of joint post authorisation safety studies , marketing authorisation holders should share the applicable fee in case a joint study is submitted . ### medicinal products authorised under the provisions relating to well - established medicinal use , authorised homeopathic medicinal products and authorised herbal medicinal products should be subject to a reduced annual flat fee as those products generally have a well - established safety profile . however , in cases where these products are part of any of the union - wide pharmacovigilance procedures , the full fee should be charged in view of the work involved . as the legislation on pharmacovigilance encourages the conduct of joint post authorisation safety studies , marketing authorisation holders should share the applicable fee in case a joint study is submitted .


### this regulation should only refer to fees which are to be levied by the agency , whereas the competence to decide on possible fees levied by the competent authorities of the member states should remain with the member states . marketing authorisation holders should not be charged twice for the same pharmacovigilance activity . member states should therefore not levy fees for the activities which are covered by this regulation . ### this regulation should only refer to fees which are to be levied by the agency , whereas the competence to decide on possible fees levied by the competent authorities of the member states should remain with the member states . marketing authorisation holders should not be charged twice for the same pharmacovigilance activity . member states should therefore not levy fees for the activities which are covered by this regulation , including fees for follow - on variations to marketing authorisations .


### the annual flat fee is eur 60 per chargeable unit . ### the annual flat fee is eur 86 per chargeable unit .


### the remuneration shall be paid in accordance with the written contract referred to in the first subparagraph of article 62 of regulation no 726 / 2004 . any bank charges related to the payment of that remuneration shall be borne by the agency . ### the remuneration shall be paid in accordance with the written contract referred to in the first subparagraph of article 62 of regulation no 726 / 2004 , and within 60 calendar days from receipt of the final assessment report , as referred to in paragraph 3 of this article . any bank charges related to the payment of that remuneration shall be borne by the agency .


### ' chargeable unit ' means each individual entry in the database referred to in article 57 of regulation no 726 / 2004 based on information from the list of all medicinal products for human use authorised in the union referred to in article 57 thereof . ### ' chargeable unit ' means a unit defined by the following data set from the medicinal products information included in the database referred to in article 57 of regulation no 726 / 2004 : name of the medicinal product ; b ) marketing authorisation holder ; c ) country where the marketing authorisation is valid ; d ) active ingredient ; e ) pharmaceutical form .


### in order to guarantee its full autonomy and independence , the authority should be granted an autonomous budget with revenues mainly from obligatory contributions from national supervisory authorities and from the general budget of the european union . the community budgetary procedure should be applicable as far as the community contribution is concerned . the auditing of accounts should be undertaken by the court of auditors . ### in order to guarantee its full autonomy and independence , the authority should be granted an autonomous budget with revenues mainly from obligatory contributions from national supervisory authorities and from the general budget of the european union . the community budgetary procedure should be applicable as far as the community contribution is concerned . the auditing of accounts should be undertaken by the court of auditors . the overall budget is subject to the discharge procedure .


### the competent authorities in the member states may exchange information with the commission so as to make it easier to establish the facts and to ensure effective action against the criminal offences referred to in title ii . the commission and the competent national authorities shall take account in each specific case of the requirements of investigation secrecy and data protection . to that end , a member state , when supplying information to the commission , may set specific conditions covering the use of information , whether by the commission or by another member state to which that information may be passed . ### the competent authorities in the member states may , within their respective competences , exchange information with the commission and with eurojust so as to make it easier to establish the facts and to ensure effective action against the criminal offences referred to in articles 3 , 4 and 5 . the commission , eurojust and the competent national authorities shall take account in each specific case of the requirements of investigation secrecy and data protection . to that end , a member state , when supplying information to the commission and eurojust , may set specific conditions covering the use of information , whether by the commission , eurojust or by another member state to which that information may be passed .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the following conduct , when committed intentionally , is punishable as a criminal offence : the action of a public official , who , directly or through an intermediary , requests or receives advantages of any kind whatsoever , for himself or for a third party , or accepts a promise of such an advantage , to act or refrain from acting in accordance with his duty or in the exercise of his functions in a way which damages or is likely to damage the union ' s financial interests ; the action of whosoever promises or gives , directly or through an intermediary , an advantage of any kind whatsoever to a public official for himself or for a third party for him to act or refrain from acting in accordance with his duty or in the exercise of his functions in a way which damages or is likely to damage the union ' s financial interests . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that passive corruption and active corruption , when committed intentionally , are punishable as criminal offences . for the purposes of this directive , passive corruption shall consist of the action of a public official , who , directly or through an intermediary , requests or receives advantages of any kind whatsoever , for himself or for a third party , or accepts a promise of such an advantage , to act or refrain from acting in accordance with his duty or in the exercise of his functions in a way which damages or is likely to damage the union ' s financial interests . for the purposes of this directive , active corruption shall consist of the action of whosoever promises or gives , directly or through an intermediary , an advantage of any kind whatsoever to a public official for himself or for a third party for him to act or refrain from acting in accordance with his duty or in the exercise of his functions in a way which damages or is likely to damage the union ' s financial interests .


### as regards natural persons , member states shall ensure that the criminal offences referred to in title ii shall be punishable by effective , proportionate and dissuasive criminal penalties , including fines and imprisonment as specified in article 8 . ### as regards natural persons , member states shall ensure that the criminal offences referred to in articles 3 , 4 and 5 shall be punishable by effective , proportionate and dissuasive criminal penalties , including fines and imprisonment as specified in article 8 .


### in cases of minor offences involving damages of less than eur 10 , 000 and advantages of less than eur 10 , 000 and not involving particularly serious circumstances , member states may provide instead for other than criminal penalties . ### in cases of offences involving damages of less than eur 5 000 and advantages of less than eur 5 000 and not involving aggravating circumstances , member states may provide instead for sanctions other than criminal penalties .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to establish their jurisdiction over the criminal offences referred to in title ii where : the offence is committed in whole or in part within their territory ; or the offender is one of their nationals . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to establish their jurisdiction over the criminal offences referred to in articles 3 , 4 and 5 where : the offence is committed in whole or in part within their territory ; the offender is one of their own nationals or is resident in their territory ; or the offender is subject to the staff regulations of the european union or the conditions of employment of other servants of the european union .


### the member states and the commission shall cooperate with each other in the fight against the criminal offences referred to in title ii . to that end the commission shall lend such technical and operational assistance as the competent national authorities may need to facilitate coordination of their investigations . ### without prejudice to the rules on cross - border cooperation and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters , the member states and the commission shall , within their respective competences , cooperate with each other in the fight against the criminal offences referred to in articles 3 , 4 and 5 . to that end the commission shall lend such technical and operational assistance as the competent national authorities may need to facilitate coordination of their investigations .


### the protection of the union ' s financial interests calls for a common definition of fraud covering fraudulent conduct with respect to both expenditure and revenues at the expense of the eu budget . ### the protection of the union ' s financial interests calls for a common definition of fraud covering fraudulent conduct with respect to both expenditure , revenues , assets and liabilities at the expense of the eu budget , including borrowing and lending activities .


### having regard to the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and in particular article 325 thereof , ### having regard to the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and in particular article 83 thereof ,


### a description of the company’s diversity policy for its administrative , management and supervisory bodies with regard to aspects such as age , gender , geographical diversity , educational and professional background , the objectives of this diversity policy , how it has been implemented and the results in the reporting period . if the company has no such policy , the statement shall contain a clear and reasoned explanation as to why this is the case . ### a description of the company’s diversity policy for its administrative , management and supervisory bodies with regard to aspects such as age , gender , geographical diversity , disability , educational and professional background , the objectives of this diversity policy , how it has been implemented and the results in the reporting period . if the company has no such policy , the statement shall contain a clear and reasoned explanation as to why this is the case .


### the obligation to disclose their diversity policies for their administrative , management and supervisory bodies with regard to aspects such as age , gender , geographical diversity , educational and professional background should only apply to large listed companies . therefore small and medium - sized companies that may be exempted from certain accounting obligations under article 27 of directive 78 / 660 / eec should not be covered to by this obligation . disclosure of the diversity policy should be part of the corporate governance statement , as laid down by article 46a of directive 78 / 660 / eec . companies not having a such a diversity policy should not be obliged to put one in place , but they should clearly explain why this is the case . ### the obligation to disclose their diversity policies for their administrative , management and supervisory bodies with regard to aspects such as age , gender , geographical diversity , disability , educational and professional background should only apply to large listed companies . therefore small and medium - sized companies that may be exempted from certain accounting obligations under article 27 of directive 78 / 660 / eec should not be covered to by this obligation . disclosure of the diversity policy should be part of the corporate governance statement , as laid down by article 46a of directive 78 / 660 / eec . companies not having a such a diversity policy should not be obliged to put one in place , but they should clearly explain why this is the case .


### to make the union more attractive for third - country national researchers , students , pupils , trainees , volunteers and au pairs , it is important to ensure their fair treatment in accordance with article 79 of the treaty . these groups are entitled to equal treatment with nationals of the host member state under directive 2011 / 98 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 13 december 2011 on a single application procedure for a single permit for third - country nationals to reside and work in the territory of a member state and on a common set of rights for third - country workers legally residing in a member state24 . more favourable rights to equal treatment with nationals of the host member state as regards branches of social security as defined in regulation no 883 / 2004 on the coordination of social security schemes should be maintained for third - country national researchers , in addition to the rights granted under directive 2011 / 98 / eu . currently the latter foresees a possibility for member states to limit equal treatment with regard to branches of social security , including family benefits , and this possibility of limitation could affect researchers . in addition , independently on whether union or national law of the host member state gives third - country national school pupils , volunteers , unremunerated trainees and au - pairs access to the labour market , they should enjoy equal treatment rights with nationals of the host member state as regards access to goods and services and the supply of goods and services made available to the public . ### to make the union more attractive for third - country national researchers , students , pupils , trainees , volunteers and au pairs , it is important to ensure their fair treatment in accordance with article 79 of the treaty . rights to equal treatment with nationals of the host member state as regards branches of social security are defined in regulation no 883 / 2004 on the coordination of social security schemes and should be maintained for third - country national researchers , in addition to the rights granted under directive 2011 / 98 / eu . currently the latter foresees a possibility for member states to limit equal treatment with regard to branches of social security , including family benefits , and this possibility of limitation could affect researchers . in addition , independently on whether union or national law of the host member state gives third - country national school pupils , volunteers , unremunerated trainees and au - pairs access to the labour market , they should enjoy equal treatment rights with nationals of the host member state as regards access to goods and services and the supply of goods and services made available to the public .


### have signed a training agreement , approved if need be by the relevant authority in the member state concerned in accordance with its national legislation or administrative practice , for a placement with a public - or private - sector enterprise or vocational training establishment recognised by the member state in accordance with its national legislation or administrative practice . ### provide evidence of a signed training agreement or employment contract , approved if need be by the relevant authority in the member state concerned in accordance with its national legislation or administrative practice , for a placement with a public - or private - sector enterprise or vocational training establishment recognised by the member state in accordance with its national legislation or administrative practice .


### this directive shall be without prejudice to the right of member states to adopt or maintain provisions that are more favourable to the persons to whom it applies with respect to articles 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 and 29 , especially in the context of mobility partnerships . ### this directive shall be without prejudice to the right of member states to adopt or maintain provisions that are more favourable to the persons to whom it applies .


### ' au pair ' means a third - country national who is temporarily received by a family in the territory of a member state in exchange for light housework and taking care of children in order to improve his / her linguistic skills and his / her knowledge of the host country ; ### ' au pair ' means a young third - country adult aged 18 to 30 years , who is temporarily received by a host family in the territory of a member state , for a defined period of time during which , he / she improves his / her education , linguistic skills and cultural knowledge of the host country , in exchange for minor household work and as child minding .


### member states shall determine whether applications for authorisations are to be made by the researcher or by the research organisation concerned . ### applications for authorisations are to be made by the research organisation concerned in full cooperation and agreement with the prospective researcher .


### by way of derogation from article 12 of directive 2011 / 98 / eu , third - country national researchers shall be entitled to equal treatment with nationals of the host member state as regards branches of social security , including family benefits , as defined in regulation no 883 / 2004 on the coordination of social security schemes . ### by way of derogation from article 12 and 12 of directive 2011 / 98 / eu , third - country national researchers and students shall be entitled to equal treatment with nationals of the host member state as regards education and vocational training and branches of social security , including family benefits , as defined in regulation no 883 / 2004 on the coordination of social security schemes .


### after finalisation of research or studies in the member state , third - country nationals shall be entitled to stay on the territory of the member state for a period of 12 months in order to look for work or set up a business , if the conditions laid down in points and to of article 6 are still fulfilled . in a period of more than 3 and less than 6 months , third - country nationals may be requested to provide evidence that they continue to seek employment or are in the process of setting up a business . after a period of 6 months , third - country nationals may additionally be requested to provide evidence that they have a genuine chance of being engaged or of launching a business . ### any possible provision for extending the residence status of researchers and students after the finalisation of their actual activities in the member state , for which a residence permit has been granted should be optional and remain at member states’ absolute competency together with the duration of this period . member states are advised to consider an extension for a period of 6 months for these third - country nationals in order to look for work or set up a business , if the conditions laid down in points and to of article 6 are still fulfilled . in a period of more than 3 and less than 6 months , third - country nationals may be requested to provide evidence that they continue to seek employment or are in the process of setting up a business . after a period of 6 months , third - country nationals may additionally be requested to provide evidence that they have a genuine chance of being engaged or of launching a business .


### in order to make the union more attractive for third - country national researchers , family members of researchers , as defined in council directive 2003 / 86 / ec of 22 september 2003 on the right to family reunification , should be admitted with them . they should benefit from intra - union mobility provisions and they should also have access to the labour market . ### in order to make the union more attractive for highly educated and qualified third - country national researchers , supporting the unity of family members of the researchers is essential ; family members of researchers should be able to enjoy as defined in council directive 2003 / 86 / ec of 22 september 2003 , the right of family reunification and intra - union mobility provisions . access to the labour market granted to family members of eligible third - country nationals should be met without prejudice to member states’ competence to regulate it , taking into account the situation of their labour markets . member states are encouraged to introduce integration conditions and measures , such as language learning . however , the right to family reunification should not be granted as an extra incentive encouraging a brain drain in the third - countries of origin .


### the intra - union mobility of third - country national researchers , students and remunerated trainees should be facilitated . for researchers , this directive should improve the rules relating to the period for which the authorisation granted by the first member state should cover stays in a second member state without requiring a new hosting agreement . improvements should be made regarding the situation of students , and the new group of remunerated trainees , by allowing them to stay in a second member state for periods lasting between three and six months , provided that they fulfil the general conditions laid down in this directive . for third - country national trainees coming to the union as intra - corporate transferees , specific intra - union mobility provisions designed according to the nature of their transfer should apply in accordance with [ directive 2013 / xx / eu on intra - corporate transfers ] . ### for researchers , this directive should improve the rules regarding the possibility of extension of the explicitly defined period for which the authorisation granted by the first member state could cover stays in a second member state without requiring a new hosting agreement ; this would require however the assent of the new member state provided that such an extension was included in the original employment contract as part of the specific needs of the research program followed . improvements should be made regarding the situation of students , and the new group of remunerated trainees , by allowing them to stay in a second member state for clearly defined periods lasting between three and six months , provided that they fulfil the general conditions laid down in this directive and that adequate measures are in place to avoid possible risks of abuses . for third - country national trainees coming to the union as intra - corporate transferees , specific intra - union mobility provisions designed according to the nature of their transfer should apply in accordance with [ directive 2013 / xx / eu on intra - corporate transfers ] .


### each member state shall determine the maximum number of hours per week or days or months per year allowed for such an activity , which shall not be less than 20 hours per week , or the equivalent in days or months per year . ### each member state shall determine the maximum number of hours per week or days or months per year allowed for such an activity , which shall not be less than 10 hours per week , or the equivalent in days or months per year .


### produce an agreement between the au - pair and the host family defining his / her rights and obligations , including specifications about the pocket money to be received and adequate arrangements allowing him / her to attend courses , and participation in day - to - day family duties . ### present a legally binding employment contract which states the rights and contractual obligations of the au pair and the host family , on the basis of that the au pair receives board and lodging in exchange of services such as light household work and childcare in the host family and agreement between the au - pair and the host family clearly defining his / her rights and obligations , including specifications about the pocket money allowance to be received , adequate arrangements allowing him / her to attend courses , including the grant of at least one full free day per week , and participation in day - to - day family duties , indicating the maximum hours per day which may be dedicated to the participation in such duties .


### information on the legal relationship between the research organisation and the researcher ; ### specification of the employment relationship between the research organisation and the researcher ;


### be at least 17 but not more than 30 or , except in individually justified cases , more than 30 years of age ; ### be at least 18 or have reached the legal age according to their national law , permitted to enter into contracts , but not more than 30 ;


### ‘ remuneration’ means the payment , whatever form it takes , received in consideration for the services performed and being considered under national legislation or established practice as a constituent element of an employment relationship ; ### ' remuneration ' means the wage or salary and any other consideration , whether in cash or in kind , which a worker receives directly in respect of his employment from his employer and which is equivalent to the services performed and being considered under national legislation or applicable collective agreement or established practice as a constituent element of an employment relationship ;


### prove , if the member state so requires , that they have previous relevant education or qualifications or professional experience to benefit from the work experience . ### prove , if the member state so requires , that they have previous relevant higher education qualifications or professional qualifications to benefit from the work experience ,


### member states may charge applicants for processing applications for authorisations . the fees should be proportionate to the purpose of the stay . ### member states may charge applicants for processing applications for authorisations . the fees should be proportionate to the purpose of the stay and the financial status of the applicant , and there should be the possibility of reimbursement by the host entity or family , in the case of unremunerated trainees and au pairs .


### as part of the drive to ensure a well - qualified workforce for the future , member states should allow students who graduate in the union to remain on their territory with the intention to identify work opportunities or to set up a business for 12 months after expiry of the initial authorisation . they should also allow researchers to do so upon completion of their research project as defined in the hosting agreement . this should not amount to an automatic right of access to the labour market or to set up a business . they may be requested to provide evidence in accordance with article 24 . ### as part of the drive to ensure a well - qualified workforce for the future , member states should have the discretion to allow students who graduate in the union to remain on their territory with the intention to identify work opportunities or to set up a business for 6 months after expiry of the initial authorisation . they should also be able to allow researchers to do so upon completion of their research project depending on the hosting agreement , the employment contract and the conditions in the labour market of the individual member state . this should not mean an automatic right of access to the labour market or to set up a business but a decision resting on the member states under certain preconditions , and the request to provide evidence in accordance with article 24 .


### conferred powers and committee procedures ### delegated powers


### matters subject to technical standards should be genuinely technical , where their development requires the expertise of supervisory experts . the technical standards should determine the conditions of application of the rules included in basic instruments adopted by the european parliament and the council and , where applicable , in commission implementing measures without amending non - essential elements of those acts , inter alia by deleting some of those elements or by supplementing the act by the addition of new non - essential elements . technical standards should not therefore involve policy choices . in cases where the technical standards are designed to determine the conditions of application of a commission implementing measure , they should only be developed once the commission implementing measure has been adopted . in certain cases where at present the commission is empowered to adopt implementing measures in accordance with committee procedures pursuant to council decision 1999 / 468 / ec of 28 june 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the commission , and the content of those implementing measures is limited to determining the conditions of application of rules included in the basic instruments , which do not require further supplementing , it is appropriate for the sake of consistency to introduce the procedure for adoption of technical standards provided for in article 7 of regulations no . … / … [ eba ] , no . … / … [ esma ] , and no . … / … [ eiopa ] . ### matters subject to technical standards should be genuinely technical , where their development requires the expertise of supervisory experts . the technical standards adopted as delegated acts should further develop , specify and determine the conditions for consistent harmonisation and uniform application of the rules included in basic instruments adopted by the european parliament and the council , supplementing or amending certain non - essential elements of the legislative act . on the other hand , technical standards adopted as implementing acts cannot amend any element of legally binding union acts . technical standards should not involve policy choices .


### the commission shall develop , together with the eib , regional operational guidelines for eib financing under this decision . in drawing up these guidelines the commission and the eib will consult with the european external action service on policy issues , as appropriate . the operational guidelines aim to ensure that eib financing supports eu policies , and shall take as a starting point the wider eu regional policy framework set by the commission and the eeas , as appropriate . notably , the operational guidelines will ensure that eib financing is complementary to corresponding eu assistance policies , programmes and instruments in the different regions , taking into account european parliament resolutions and council decisions and conclusions . the commission will inform the european parliament and the council of the guidelines established . within the framework set out by the operational guidelines , the eib shall define corresponding financing strategies and ensure their implementation . ### the commission shall develop , together with the eib , regional operational guidelines for eib financing under this decision . these guidelines shall be prepared together , at an early stage , with the european external action service on issues falling within its remit . the operational guidelines aim to ensure that eib financing supports eu policies , and shall take as a starting point the wider eu regional policy framework set by the commission and the eeas , as appropriate . notably , the operational guidelines will ensure that eib financing is complementary to corresponding eu assistance policies , programmes and instruments in the different regions , in line with european parliament resolutions and council decisions and conclusions . the commission will inform the european parliament and the council in advance of the guidelines that are being established . within the framework set out by the operational guidelines , the eib shall define corresponding financing strategies and ensure their implementation .


### eib activity in neighbourhood countries should take place in the framework of the european neighbourhood policy , under which the eu aims to develop a special relationship with neighbouring countries with a view to establishing an area of prosperity and good neighbourliness , founded on the values of the eu and characterised by close and peaceful relations based on co - operation . to achieve these objectives the eu and its partners implement jointly agreed bilateral action plans defining a set of priorities including on political and security issues , trade and economic matters , environmental concerns and integration of transport and energy networks . the union for the mediterranean , the eastern partnership , and the black sea synergy are multilateral and regional initiatives complementary to the european neighbourhood policy aimed at fostering co - operation between the eu and the respective group of neighbouring partner countries facing common challenges and / or sharing a common geographical environment . the union for the mediterranean supports improved socio - economic , solidarity , regional integration , sustainable development and knowledge building , underlining the need to increase financial co - operation to support regional and trans - national projects . the eastern partnership aims to create the necessary conditions to accelerate political association and further economic integration between the eu and eastern partner countries . the russian federation and the eu have a wide - ranging strategic partnership , distinct from the european neighbourhood policy and expressed through the common spaces and roadmaps . this is complemented at multilateral level by the northern dimension which provides a framework for co - operation between the eu , russia , norway and iceland . ### eib activity in neighbourhood countries should take place in the framework of the european neighbourhood policy , under which the eu aims to develop a special relationship with neighbouring countries with a view to establishing an area of prosperity and good neighbourliness , founded on the values of the eu and characterised by close and peaceful relations based on co - operation . to achieve these objectives the eu and its partners implement jointly agreed bilateral action plans defining a set of priorities including on political and security issues , trade and economic matters , environmental concerns and integration of transport and energy networks such as the nabucco gas pipeline project and other gas pipeline projects , which are of particular interest to the eu . the union for the mediterranean , the eastern partnership , and the black sea synergy are multilateral and regional initiatives complementary to the european neighbourhood policy aimed at fostering co - operation between the eu and the respective group of neighbouring partner countries facing common challenges and / or sharing a common geographical environment . the union for the mediterranean supports improved socio - economic , solidarity , regional integration , sustainable development and knowledge building . the eastern partnership aims to create the necessary conditions to accelerate political association and further economic integration between the eu and eastern partner countries . the russian federation and the eu have a wide - ranging strategic partnership , distinct from the european neighbourhood policy and expressed through the common spaces and roadmaps . this is complemented at multilateral level by the northern dimension which provides a framework for co - operation between the eu , russia , norway and iceland .


### the eib shall carry out thorough due diligence on development - related aspects of projects covered by the eu guarantee . the eib ' s own rules and procedures shall include the necessary provisions on assessment of environmental and social impact of projects and of aspects related to human rights , to ensure that only projects that are economically , financially , environmentally and socially sustainable are supported under this decision . ### the eib shall carry out thorough due diligence on all development - related aspects of projects covered by the eu guarantee . the eib’s own rules and procedures shall include the necessary provisions on assessment of environmental and social impact of projects and of aspects related to human rights , to ensure that only projects that are wholly economically , financially , environmentally and socially sustainable and do not exacerbate actual or latent conflicts are supported under this decision .


### under this decision , the eib should increase its development orientation in close coordination with the commission and following the principles of the european consensus on development . this should be implemented through a number of concrete measures , in particular by reinforcing its capacity to appraise social and development aspects of projects , including human rights and conflict related risks , and by promoting local consultation . moreover , it should increase its focus on sectors where it has sound expertise from financing operations within the eu and which will further the development of the country in question , such as environmental infrastructure including water and sanitation , sustainable transportation and climate change mitigation , particularly in renewable energy . the eib should also progressively strengthen its activity in support of health and education as well as of climate change adaptation , where appropriate working in cooperation with other international finance institutions and european bilateral finance institutions . this will require access to concessional resources and a progressive increase in human resources devoted to eib external activities . eib activity should also be complementary to eu objectives and priorities relating to institution building and sector reforms . finally , the eib should define performance indicators which are linked to development aspects of the projects and their results . ### under this decision , the eib should increase its development orientation in close coordination with the commission and following the principles of the european consensus on development . this should be implemented through a number of concrete measures , in particular by reinforcing its capacity to appraise social and development aspects of projects , including human rights and conflict related risks , and by promoting local consultation with public authorities and civil society . moreover , it should increase its focus on sectors where it has sound expertise from financing operations within the eu and which will further the development of the country in question , such as environmental infrastructure including water and sanitation , sustainable transportation and climate change mitigation , particularly in renewable energy . the eib should also progressively strengthen its activity in support of health and education , particularly in the area of vocational training , as well as of climate change adaptation , where appropriate working in cooperation with other international finance institutions and european bilateral finance institutions . this will require access to concessional resources and an increase , within a reasonable period , in human resources devoted to eib external activities . eib activity should also be complementary to eu objectives and priorities relating to institution building and sector reforms . finally , the eib should define performance indicators which are linked to the economic , social and environmental development aspects of the projects and their results .


### under this decision , the eib should increase its development orientation in close coordination with the commission and following the principles of the european consensus on development . this should be implemented through a number of concrete measures , in particular by reinforcing its capacity to appraise social and development aspects of projects , including human rights and conflict related risks , and by promoting local consultation . moreover , it should increase its focus on sectors where it has sound expertise from financing operations within the eu and which will further the development of the country in question , such as environmental infrastructure including water and sanitation , sustainable transportation and climate change mitigation , particularly in renewable energy . the eib should also progressively strengthen its activity in support of health and education as well as of climate change adaptation , where appropriate working in cooperation with other international finance institutions and european bilateral finance institutions . this will require access to concessional resources and a progressive increase in human resources devoted to eib external activities . eib activity should also be complementary to eu objectives and priorities relating to institution building and sector reforms . finally , the eib should define performance indicators which are linked to development aspects of the projects and their results . ### while the eib ' s strength remains its distinctiveness as an investment bank , under this decision , the eib should frame the development impact of its external operations in close coordination with the commission and follow the principles of the european consensus on development and those set out in article 208 tfeu , as well as the principles of aid effectiveness outlined in the paris declaration of 2005 and the accra agenda for action of 2008 . this should be implemented through a number of concrete measures , in particular by reinforcing its capacity to appraise environmental , social and development aspects of projects , including human rights and conflict related risks , and by promoting local consultation with public authorities and civil society . when making due diligence of the project , the eib should take into consideration the results of local consultations , carried by the project promoter . the results from the local consultations should be disclosed to the public . moreover , it should increase its focus on sectors where it has sound expertise from financing operations within the eu and which will further the development of the country in question , , environmental infrastructure including water and sanitation , sustainable transportation and climate change mitigation , particularly in renewable energy . financing could also include projects in support of health and education , particularly in the area of vocational training and infrastructure , when there is clear added value . the eib should also progressively strengthen its activity in support of climate change adaptation , where appropriate working in cooperation with international finance institutions and european bilateral finance institutions . this will require access to concessional resources and an increase , within a reasonable period , in human resources devoted to eib external activities . eib activity should also be complementary to eu objectives and priorities relating to institution building and sector reforms . finally , the eib should define performance indicators which are linked to development aspects of the projects and their results .


### the commission shall report annually to the european parliament and the council on eib financing operations carried out under this decision . the report shall include an assessment of eib financing operations at project , sector , country and regional level as well as the contribution of the eib financing operations to the fulfilment of the external policy and strategic objectives of the eu . the report shall in particular assess the compliance of eib financing operations with this decision , taking into account the operational guidelines referred to in article 5 , and shall include sections on added value for the achievement of eu policy objectives as well as on cooperation with the commission and other international financial institutions and bilateral institutions , including co - financing . ### the commission shall report annually to the european parliament and the council on eib financing operations carried out under this decision . the report shall include an assessment of eib financing operations at programme , project , sector , country and regional level , as well as the contribution of the eib financing operations to the fulfilment of the external policy and strategic objectives of the eu , paying particular attention to the related eu 2020 objectives . the report shall in particular assess the compliance of eib financing operations with this decision , taking into account the operational guidelines referred to in article 5 , and shall include sections on added value for the achievement of eu policy objectives and the extent to which to which the eib has taken into account environmental and social sustainability in the design and monitoring of the projects financed , efficiency , effectiveness and impact of projects and financing operations , as well as on cooperation with the commission and other international financial institutions and bilateral institutions , including co - financing . the report shall also contain an assessment of the eib ' s human and material resources policy relating to its activities outside the eu . finally , it shall contain a specific section devoted to a detailed evaluation of the measures taken by the eib to comply with the provisions of article 1 of the current mandate , excluding from the scope of the guarantee all operations which would allow , or contribute directly or indirectly to , any form of tax evasion , and paying particular attention to eib operations using financial vehicles situated in offshore financial centres .


### in addition to the ex - ante assessment of development - related aspects , the eib should strengthen its monitoring during project implementation , inter alia , on the development impact of the project . ### in addition to the ex - ante assessment of development - related aspects , the eib should carry out a thorough monitoring during project implementation , inter alia , on the development , environmental and human rights impact of the project . the monitoring shall include the performance of financial intermediaries . the results of monitoring should be regularly disclosed to the public .


### the reporting and transmission of information by the eib to the commission should be strengthened in order to allow the commission to enhance its annual report to the european parliament and the council on the eib financing operations carried out under this decision . the report should in particular assess the compliance of eib financing operations with this decision , taking into account the operational guidelines , and include sections on added value in line with eu policies and sections on cooperation with the commission , other ifis and bilateral donors , including co - financing . where necessary , the report should include references to significant changes in circumstances that would justify further amendments to the mandate before the end of the period . ### the reporting and transmission of information by the eib to the commission should be strengthened in order to allow the commission to enhance its annual report to the european parliament and the council on the eib financing operations carried out under this decision . the report should in particular assess the compliance of eib financing operations with this decision , taking into account the operational guidelines , and include sections on added value in line with eu policies and sections on cooperation with the commission , other ifis and bilateral donors , including co - financing . the report should also assess the extent to which the eib has taken into account economic , financial , environmental and social sustainability in the design and monitoring of the projects financed . it should also contain a specific section devoted to a detailed evaluation of the measures taken by the eib to comply with the provisions of the current mandate , excluding from the scope of the guarantee all operations which would allow , or contribute directly or indirectly to , any form of tax evasion , and paying particular attention to eib operations using financial vehicles situated in offshore financial centres . where necessary , the report should include references to significant changes in circumstances that would justify further amendments to the mandate before the end of the period .


### the commission should study the development of an ’eu platform for cooperation and development’ with a view to optimising the functioning of mechanisms for the blending of grants and loans in the external regions . in its reflections the commission should consult the eib as well as the other european multilateral and bilateral finance institutions . such a platform would continue to promote mutual reliance arrangements , based on the comparative advantage of the different institutions while respecting the role and prerogatives of the eu institutions in the implementation of the eu budget and of eib loans . ### the commission should propose , on the basis of the existing positive experience , the implementation of an ' eu platform for cooperation and development ' with a view to optimising and rationalising the functioning of mechanisms for increased blending of grants and loans in the external regions . in its reflections the commission should consult the eib , the ebrd as well as the other european multilateral and bilateral finance institutions . for this purpose the commission will create a working group composed of member state representatives , members of the european parliament , eib and other european multilateral and bilateral finance institutions . such a platform should promote , under the direction of the commission , synergies , concerted programming , mutual reliance arrangements , based on the comparative advantage of the different institutions while respecting the role and prerogatives of the eu institutions in the implementation of the eu budget and of the financing institutions ' loans . such a platform will be particularly useful when financing development - oriented projects or projects countering climate change .


### in addition to the ex - ante assessment of development - related aspects , the eib should strengthen its monitoring during project implementation , inter alia , on the development impact of the project . ### in addition to the ex - ante assessment of development - related aspects , the eib shall carry out thorough monitoring during project implementation and completion , inter alia , on the development , environmental and human rights impact of the project . the monitoring shall include the performance of financial intermediaries . the results of the monitoring shall be regularly disclosed to the public .


### the commission shall develop , together with the eib , regional operational guidelines for eib financing under this decision . in drawing up these guidelines the commission and the eib will consult with the european external action service on policy issues , as appropriate . the operational guidelines aim to ensure that eib financing supports eu policies , and shall take as a starting point the wider eu regional policy framework set by the commission and the eeas , as appropriate . notably , the operational guidelines will ensure that eib financing is complementary to corresponding eu assistance policies , programmes and instruments in the different regions , taking into account european parliament resolutions and council decisions and conclusions . the commission will inform the european parliament and the council of the guidelines established . within the framework set out by the operational guidelines , the eib shall define corresponding financing strategies and ensure their implementation . ### the commission shall develop , together with the eib , regional operational guidelines for eib financing under this decision . in drawing up these guidelines the commission and the eib shall consult with the european external action service on policy issues . the operational guidelines aim to ensure that eib financing supports eu policies , and shall take as a starting point the wider eu regional policy framework set by the commission and the eeas , as appropriate . notably , the operational guidelines will ensure that eib financing is complementary to corresponding eu assistance policies , programmes and instruments in the different regions , taking into account european parliament resolutions , council decisions and conclusions and the european consensus on development . the commission shall regularly inform the european parliament and the council on the guidelines established . within the framework set out by the operational guidelines , the eib shall define corresponding financing strategies and ensure their implementation .


### in its financing operations outside the eu that fall within the scope of this decision , the eib should endeavour to further enhance coordination and cooperation with ifis and ebfis where relevant , including , where appropriate , cooperation on sector conditionality and mutual reliance on procedures , use of joint co - financing and participation in global initiatives , such as those promoting aid coordination and effectiveness . the above efforts are to be based on reciprocity between eib and other institutions and require an equivalent effort by the eib and other financial institutions to be implemented effectively . in particular , the modalities for the implementation of eib financing in the eastern neighbourhood and partnership countries , central asia and turkey are set out in tripartite memoranda of understanding between the commission , the eib and the european bank for reconstruction and development . ### in its financing operations outside the eu that fall within the scope of this decision , the eib should endeavour to further enhance coordination and cooperation with ifis and ebfis , including , where appropriate , cooperation on sector conditionality and mutual reliance on procedures , use of joint co - financing and participation in global initiatives , such as those promoting aid coordination and effectiveness . the above efforts are to be based on reciprocity between eib and other institutions and require an equivalent effort by the eib and other financial institutions to be implemented effectively .


### the eib shall progressively increase its activity in social sectors , such as health and education . ### the eib shall progressively increase its activity in social sectors , such as health and education , particularly as regards vocational training .