### in october 2009 , in light of this difficult market situation for milk , a high level expert group on milk was set up with the purpose of discussing mid - term and long - term arrangements for the milk and milk products sector , given the expiry of dairy quotas in 2015 . while respecting the outcome of the health check , the hlg was to work on a regulatory framework to be put in place , to contribute to stabilising the market and producers ' income and enhance its transparency . ### in october 2009 , in light of this difficult market situation for milk , a high level expert group on milk was set up with the purpose of discussing mid - term and long - term arrangements for the milk and milk products sector , given the expiry of dairy quotas in 2015 . while respecting the outcome of the health check , the hlg was to work on a regulatory framework to be put in place , to contribute to stabilising the market and producers’ income and enhance its transparency . without a policy to stabilise production prices , strong price fluctuations lead to mechanisms that particularly benefit processors and increase their profit margins . as a result the price rises are passed on to consumers , whereas the producers’ falling prices only sporadically lead to a fall in consumer prices .


### the fee terminology should be determined by national competent authorities , allowing for consideration of the specificities of local markets . to be considered representative , services should be subject to a fee at a minimum of one payment service provider in member states . in addition , where possible , fee terminology should be standardised at eu level , thus allowing for comparison across the union . the european banking authority should establish guidelines to assist member states to determine the most representative payment services subject to a fee at national level . ### the fee terminology should be determined by national competent authorities , allowing for consideration of the specificities of local markets . to be considered representative , services should be subject to a fee or offered free of charge at a minimum of one payment service provider in member states . in addition , where possible , fee terminology should be standardised at eu level , thus allowing for comparison across the union . the european banking authority should establish guidelines to assist member states to determine the most representative payment services , subject to a fee or offered free of charge , at national level .


### once national competent authorities have determined a provisional list of the most representative services subject to a fee at national level together with terms and definitions , the commission should review them to identify , by means of delegated acts , the services that are common to the majority of member states and propose standardised eu level terms and definitions for them . ### once national competent authorities have determined a provisional list of the most representative services subject to a fee or offered free of charge at national level together with terms and definitions , the commission should review them to identify , by means of delegated acts , the services that are common to the majority of member states and propose standardised eu level terms and definitions for them .


### in order to obtain impartial information on bank fees , consumers should be able to access comparison websites which are operationally independent from payment service providers . member states should therefore ensure that at least one such website is available to consumers in their respective territories . such comparison websites may be operated by competent authorities , other public authorities and / or accredited private operators . member states should establish a voluntary accreditation scheme allowing private operators of comparison websites to apply for accreditation in accordance with specified quality criteria . a comparison website operated by a competent authority or other public authority should be established where a privately operated website has not been accredited . such websites should also comply with the quality criteria . ### in order to obtain impartial information on bank fees , consumers should be able to access comparison websites which are operationally independent from payment service providers . member states should therefore ensure that at least one such website is available to consumers in their respective territories . such comparison websites may be operated by competent authorities , other public authorities and / or accredited private operators . member states should establish a voluntary accreditation scheme allowing private operators of comparison websites to apply for accreditation in accordance with specified quality criteria . a comparison website operated by a competent authority or other public authority should be established where a privately operated website has not been accredited . such websites should also comply with the quality criteria . in order to facilitate the overview of fees charged by payment services providers in the european union , the commission should establish an up - to - date , independent , accurate , reliable and consumer - friendly portal providing all links to the accredited comparison websites in the respective member states .


### it is current practice for payment service providers to offer a payment account in a package with other financial products or services . this practice can be a means for payment service providers to diversify their offer and to compete against each other , and in the end it can be beneficial for consumers . however the commission study on tying practices in the financial sector conducted in 2009 as well as relevant consultations and consumer complaints have showed that payment service providers may offer bank accounts packaged with products not requested by consumers and which are not essential for payment accounts , such as household insurance . moreover , it has been observed that these practices may reduce transparency and comparability of prices , limit purchasing options for consumers and negatively impact upon their mobility . therefore , member states should ensure that when payment service providers offer packaged payment accounts consumers are provided with information on the applicable fees for the payment account and for each other financial service included in the package separately . these obligations should not apply to services which are naturally connected to the use of the payment account , such as withdrawals , wire transfers or payment cards . as a result , these services should be excluded from the scope of this provision . ### it is current practice for payment service providers to offer a payment account in a package with other financial products or services . this practice can be a means for payment service providers to diversify their offer and to compete against each other , and in the end it can be beneficial for consumers . however the commission study on tying practices in the financial sector conducted in 2009 as well as relevant consultations and consumer complaints have showed that payment service providers may offer bank accounts packaged with products not requested by consumers and which are not essential for payment accounts , such as household insurance . moreover , it has been observed that these practices may reduce transparency and comparability of prices , limit purchasing options for consumers and negatively impact upon their mobility . therefore , member states should ensure that when payment service providers offer packaged payment accounts consumers are provided with information on the applicable fees for the payment account and for each other financial service included in the package separately .


### consumers who are legally resident in the union and who do not hold a payment account in a certain member state should be in a position to open and use a payment account with basic features in that member state . in order to ensure the widest possible access to such accounts , consumers should have access to them irrespective of their financial circumstances , such as unemployment or personal bankruptcy , and of their place of residence . moreover , the right to access a payment account with basic features in any member state should be granted in conformity with the requirements set out in directive 2005 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 26 october 2005 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering and terrorist financing16 , in particular with regard to customer due diligence procedures . __________________ 16 oj l 309 , 25 . 11 . 2005 , p . 15 . ### consumers who are legally staying in the union and who do not hold a payment account in a certain member state should be in a position to open and use a payment account with basic features in that member state . in order to ensure the widest possible access to such accounts , consumers should have access to them irrespective of their financial circumstances , such as unemployment or personal bankruptcy , and of their place of residence . moreover , the right to access a payment account with basic features in any member state should be granted in conformity with the requirements set out in directive 2005 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 26 october 2005 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering and terrorist financing16 , in particular with regard to customer due diligence procedures . __________________ 16 oj l 309 , 25 . 11 . 2005 , p . 15 .


### consumers should be guaranteed access to a range of basic payment services , for which a minimum number of operations shall be determined by member states in a way that should take into account both the needs of the consumers and the commercial practices in the member state concerned . beyond this list of minimum services , banks may apply their regular fees . services linked to basic payment accounts should include the facility to deposit and withdraw money . consumers should be able to undertake essential payment transactions such as receiving income or benefits , paying bills or taxes and purchasing goods and services , including via direct debit , credit transfer and the use of a payment card . such services should allow the purchase of goods and services online and should give consumers the opportunity to initiate payment orders via the payment service provider ' s online banking facility , where available . however , a payment account with basic features should not be restricted to online usage as this would create an obstacle for consumers without internet access . consumers should not be given access to an overdraft facility with a payment account with basic features . however , member states may allow payment services providers to offer buffering facilities for very small amounts in relation to payment accounts with basic features . ### consumers should be guaranteed access to a range of basic payment services . beyond this list of basic services , banks may apply their regular fees . services linked to basic payment accounts should include the facility to deposit and withdraw money . consumers should be able to undertake essential payment transactions such as receiving income or benefits , paying bills or taxes and purchasing goods and services , including via direct debit , credit transfer and the use of a payment card . such services should allow the purchase of goods and services online and should give consumers the opportunity to initiate payment orders via the payment service provider ' s online banking facility , where available . however , a payment account with basic features should not be restricted to online usage as this would create an obstacle for consumers without internet access . consumers should not be given access to an overdraft facility with a payment account with basic features . however , member states may allow payment services providers to offer buffering facilities for very small amounts in relation to payment accounts with basic features . as long as a payment account with basic features is operated by the consumer for personal use , there should be no limits to the number of operations to be provided to the consumer under the specific pricing rules of this account .


### ‘ fees’ means the charges , if any , payable by the consumer to the payment service provider for the provision of payment services or for transactions operated on a payment account ; ### ' fees ' means all costs which are linked to the payment account , including overdraft facilities , penalties and interest rates for credit cards , if any , payable by the consumer to the payment service provider for the provision of payment services or for transactions operated on a payment account ;


### ‘ credit transfer’ means a national or cross - border payment service for crediting a payee ' s payment account with a payment transaction or a series of payment transactions from a payer ' s payment account by the payment service provider which holds the payer ' s payment account , based on an instruction given by the payer ; ### ' credit transfer ' means a payment service for crediting a payee ' s payment account with a payment transaction or a series of payment transactions from a payer ' s payment account by the payment service provider which holds the payer ' s payment account , based on an instruction given by the payer ;


### list of the most representative payment services subject to a fee at national level and standardised terminology ### list of the services that are linked to the payment account subject to a fee at national level and standardised terminology


### member states shall ensure that the competent authorities referred to in article 20 , determine a provisional list of at least 20 payment services accounting for at least 80% of the most representative payment services subject to a fee at national level . the list shall contain terms and definitions for each of the services identified . ### member states shall ensure that the competent authorities referred to in article 20 , determine a provisional list of all services that are linked to the payment account subject to a fee at national level . the list shall contain standardised terms and definitions for each of the services identified . to each service only one name shall apply .


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts , in accordance with article 24 , concerning the setting out , on the basis of the provisional lists submitted pursuant to paragraph 3 , of an eu standardised terminology for those payment services that are common to at least a majority of member states . the eu standardised terminology will include common terms and definitions for the common services . ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts , in accordance with article 24 , concerning the setting out , on the basis of the provisional lists submitted pursuant to paragraph 3 , of an eu standardised terminology for those services that are linked to the payment account that are common to at least a majority of member states . the eu standardised terminology will include common terms and definitions for the common services . to each service only one name shall apply .


### member states shall ensure that payment service providers make available to consumers a glossary of at least the list of payment services referred to in paragraph 1 and the related definitions . ### member states shall ensure that the competent authorities referred in article 20 develop a common glossary of at least the list of payment services referred to in paragraph 1 and related definitions , and that provide it to the payment service providers which shall make it available to the consumers .


### member states shall ensure that payment service providers make available to consumers a glossary of at least the list of payment services referred to in paragraph 1 and the related definitions . ### member states shall ensure that payment service providers make available to consumers a glossary of at least the list of services referred to in paragraph 1 and the related definitions .


### be operationally independent of any payment service provider ; ### be operationally independent of any payment service provider ; information on the owner and provider of the website should be easily available and visible ;


### be operationally independent of any payment service provider ; ### be independent of any payment service provider ;


### transmit to the receiving payment service provider and , if specifically requested by the consumer pursuant to paragraph 2 , to the consumer a list of all existing standing orders for credit transfers and debtor driven direct debit mandates ; ### provide the consumer with a comprehensive summary list of all existing standing orders for credit transfers and debtor driven direct debit mandates and ask for confirmation for transmitting them to the receiving payment service provider ;


### set up within seven calendar days the standing orders for credit transfers requested by the consumer and execute them from the date specified in the authorisation ; ### set up within seven business days the standing orders for credit transfers requested by the consumer and execute them from the date specified in the authorisation ;


### send the receiving payment service provider the information indicated in points , and of paragraph 3 within seven calendar days of receiving the request ; ### send the receiving payment service provider the information indicated in points , and of paragraph 3 within seven business days of receiving the request ;


### close the payment account ; ### close the payment account free of charge ;


### member states shall ensure that consumers legally resident in the union are not discriminated against by reason of their nationality or place of residence when applying for or accessing a payment account within the union . ### member states shall ensure that consumers legally staying in the union are not discriminated against by reason of their nationality or place of residence when applying for or accessing a payment account within the union . holding a basic payment account shall further by no means be discriminating . making any discrimination visible through for example a different appearance of the card , a different account or card number , shall not be allowed .


### member states shall ensure that consumers legally resident in the union are not discriminated against by reason of their nationality or place of residence when applying for or accessing a payment account within the union . ### member states shall ensure that consumers legally resident in the union are not discriminated against by reason of their nationality , place of residence , or any other reason when applying for or accessing a payment account within the union .


### member states shall ensure that at least one payment service provider in their territory offers a payment account with basic features to consumers . member states shall ensure that payment accounts with basic features are not only offered by payment service providers that provide the account solely with online banking facilities . ### member states shall in their territory ensure that a payment account with basic features is offered to consumers by all payment service providers offering payment accounts , covering at least the services listed in article 16 , as an integral part of their regular business .


### member states shall ensure that consumers legally resident in the union have the right to open and use a payment account with basic features with the payment service provider or providers identified pursuant to paragraph 1 . such a right shall apply irrespective of the consumer ' s place of residence . member states shall ensure that the exercise of the right is not made excessively difficult or burdensome for the consumer . before opening the payment account with basic features , payment service providers shall verify whether the consumer holds or does not hold a payment account in their territory . ### member states shall ensure that consumers legally staying in the union have the right to open and use a payment account with basic features with the payment service provider or providers identified pursuant to paragraph 1 . such a right shall apply irrespective of the consumer ' s place of residence . member states shall ensure that the exercise of the right is not made excessively difficult or burdensome for the consumer . before opening the payment account with basic features , payment service providers shall verify by asking the consumer to sign a declaration of honour whether the consumer holds or does not hold a payment account in their territory .


### member states shall ensure that consumers legally resident in the union have the right to open and use a payment account with basic features with the payment service provider or providers identified pursuant to paragraph 1 . such a right shall apply irrespective of the consumer ' s place of residence . member states shall ensure that the exercise of the right is not made excessively difficult or burdensome for the consumer . before opening the payment account with basic features , payment service providers shall verify whether the consumer holds or does not hold a payment account in their territory . ### member states shall ensure that consumers legally resident in the union have the right to open and use a payment account with basic features with the payment service provider or providers identified pursuant to paragraph 1 . such a right shall apply irrespective of the consumer ' s place of residence . member states shall ensure that the exercise of the right is not made excessively difficult or burdensome for the consumer . before opening the payment account with basic features , payment service providers shall verify by asking the consumer to sign a declaration of honour , whether the consumer holds or does not hold a payment account in their territory .


### where a consumer already holds a payment account , with a payment service provider located in their territory , which allows him to make use of the payment services listed in article 17 ; ### where a consumer already holds a payment account , with a payment service provider located in their territory , which allows him to make use of the payment services listed in article 16 . the consumer is not considered as payment account holder if he can prove the switching to another payment account according to article 9 or the termination of the previous contract ;


### member states shall ensure that , in the cases indicated in paragraph 3 , the payment service provider immediately informs the consumer of the refusal , in writing and free of charge , unless such disclosure would be contrary to the objectives of national security or public policy . ### member states shall ensure that , in the cases indicated in paragraph 3 , the payment service provider immediately informs the consumer of the refusal and the reason for it , in writing and free of charge , unless such disclosure would be contrary to the objectives of national security or public policy .


### member states shall ensure that a payment account with basic features includes the following payment services : ### member states shall ensure that a payment account with basic features includes the following services :


### direct debit ; ### sepa and non - euro direct debit ;


### payment transactions through a payment card , including online payments ; ### sepa and non - euro payment transactions through a payment card , including online payments ;


### credit transfers . ### sepa and non - euro credit transfers ;


### member states shall determine , for all the services referred to in paragraph 1 , a minimum number of operations which will be provided to the consumer for the fee , if any , referred to in article 17 . the minimum number of operations shall be reasonable and in line with the common commercial practice in the member state concerned . ### member states shall ensure that , as long as a payment account with basic features is operated by the consumer for personal use , there are no limits to the number of operations which will be provided to the consumer under the specific pricing rules set out in article 17 .


### member states shall ensure that the consumer is not offered any overdraft facilities in conjunction with the payment account with basic features . ### member states shall ensure that the consumer is not offered any overdraft facilities in conjunction with the payment account with basic features . member states shall be able however , where appropriate , to allow payment service providers to provide small overdrafts as a buffer to cover temporary negative balances . the fees charged for such overdrafts and for separate credit products shall be transparent and at least as favourable as usual pricing policy of the provider .


### member states shall ensure that the fees charged to the consumer for non - compliance with the consumer ' s commitments laid down in the framework contract are reasonable . ### member states shall ensure that the fees charged to the consumer for non - compliance with the consumer ' s commitments laid down in the framework contract are reasonable and never higher than the fees of the regular pricing policy of the provider . in situations independent of his will , the consumer shall not be charged any fees , such as in cases of rejected recurrent payments due to a late incoming payment .


### member states shall ensure that payment service providers make available to consumers information about the specific features of the payment account with basic features on offer , their associated fees and their conditions of use . member states shall also ensure that the consumer is informed that the purchase of additional services is not compulsory to access a payment account with basic features . ### member states shall ensure that payment service providers make available to consumers accessible information and adequate assistance about the specific features of the payment account with basic features on offer , their associated fees and their conditions of use . member states shall also ensure that the consumer is informed that the purchase of additional services is not compulsory to access a payment account with basic features .


### the authorities referred to in paragraph 1 shall possess all the powers necessary for the performance of their duties . where more than one competent authority is empowered to ensure and monitor effective compliance with this directive , member states shall ensure that those authorities collaborate closely so that they can discharge their respective duties effectively . ### the authorities referred to in paragraph 1 shall possess all the powers necessary for the performance of their duties . these authorities shall regularly consult with relevant stakeholders , including consumers ' representatives , to ensure and monitor effective compliance with this directive . where more than one competent authority is empowered to ensure and monitor effective compliance with this directive , member states shall ensure that those authorities collaborate closely so that they can discharge their respective duties effectively .


### the authorities referred to in paragraph 1 shall possess all the powers necessary for the performance of their duties . where more than one competent authority is empowered to ensure and monitor effective compliance with this directive , member states shall ensure that those authorities collaborate closely so that they can discharge their respective duties effectively . ### the authorities referred to in paragraph 1 shall possess all the powers necessary for the performance of their duties . where more than one competent authority is empowered to ensure and monitor effective compliance with this directive , member states shall ensure that those authorities collaborate closely so that they can discharge their respective duties effectively . those authorities shall closely cooperate with the competent authorities of other member states to ensure the correct and full application of the measures established in this directive .


### member states shall provide the commission with information on the following matters for the first time within 3 years from entry into force of this directive and every 2 years thereafter : ### member states shall provide the commission with information on the following matters for the first time within 2 years from entry into force of this directive and every 2 years thereafter :


### technical standardisation is a cornerstone for the integration of networks , such as the union payments market . the use of standards developed by international or european standardisation bodies should be mandatory as of a given date for all relevant transactions . in the payment context , these would be the iban , bic , and the financial services messaging standard ‘ iso 20022 xml’ . the use of those standards by all payment service providers is therefore a requirement for full interoperability throughout the union . in particular , the mandatory use of iban and bic where necessary should be promoted through comprehensive communication and facilitating measures in member states in order to allow a smooth and easy transition to pan - european credit transfers and direct debits , in particular for consumers . ### technical standardisation is a cornerstone for the integration of networks , such as the union payments market . the use of standards developed by international or european standardisation bodies should be mandatory as of a given date for all relevant transactions . in the payment context , these would be the iban , bic , and the financial services messaging standard ' iso 20022 xml ' . the use of those standards by all payment service providers is therefore a requirement for full interoperability throughout the union . in particular , the mandatory use of iban and bic should be promoted through comprehensive communication and facilitating measures in member states in order to prepare consumers in a timely and adequate manner for the transition to pan - european credit transfers and direct debits . in particular , banks should facilitate that transition by carrying out specific and extensive information campaigns in order to raise public awareness and by having a transparent information policy for their customer business . an adequate and extensive information policy is mandatory in order to gain acceptance , in particular with regard to the wide - ranging changes for consumers .


### in some member states , there are certain legacy payment instruments which are credit transfers or direct debits but which have very specific functionalities , often due to historical or legal reasons . the transaction volume of such products is usually marginal ; they could therefore be classified as niche products . a transitional period for such niche products , sufficiently long to minimise the impact of the migration on payment service users , should help both sides of the market to focus first on the migration of the bulk of credit transfers and direct debits , thereby allowing the majority of the potential benefits of an integrated payments market in the union to be reaped earlier . ### in some member states , there are certain legacy payment instruments which are credit transfers or direct debits but which have very specific functionalities , often due to historical or legal reasons . a transitional period for such niche products , sufficiently long to minimise the impact of the migration on payment service users , should help both sides of the market to focus first on the migration of the bulk of credit transfers and direct debits , thereby allowing the majority of the potential benefits of an integrated payments market in the union to be reaped earlier .


### for the practical functioning of the internal market in payments it is essential to ensure that payers such as businesses or public authorities are able to send credit transfers to payment accounts held by the payees with payment service providers which are located in other member states and reachable in accordance with this regulation . ### for the practical functioning of the internal market in payments it is essential to ensure that payers such as consumers , businesses or public authorities are able to send credit transfers to payment accounts held by the payees with payment service providers which are located in other member states and reachable in accordance with this regulation .


### the commission should be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty in respect of the update of the technical requirements for credit transfers and direct debits . ### the commission should be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty in respect of the update of the technical requirements for credit transfers and direct debits . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate and transparent consultation during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and the council .


### payment transactions processed and settled through large value payment systems for which both the original initiator and the final recipient of the payment is a payment service provider ### payment transactions processed and settled through large value payment systems ;


### requirements for credit transfer and direct debit transactions ### migration deadlines for credit transfer and direct debit transactions


### by [ insert concrete date 12 months after entry into force of this regulation ] at the latest , credit transfers shall be carried out in accordance with the technical requirements set out in points 1 and 2 of the annex . ### by . . . * , credit transfers shall be carried out in accordance with the technical requirements set out in article 4a and and points 1 and 2 of the annex . * oj please insert date : 36 months after entry into force of this regulation .


### by [ insert concrete date 24 months after entry into force of this regulation ] at the latest , direct debits shall be carried out in accordance with article 6 and the technical requirements set out in points 1 and 3 of the annex . ### by . . . * , direct debits shall be carried out in accordance with article 6 and the technical requirements set out in article 4a and and points 1 and 3 of the annex . * oj please insert date : 48 months after entry into force of this regulation .


### the powers to adopt the delegated acts referred to in article 5 shall be conferred on the commission for an indeterminate period of time . where imperative grounds of urgency so require , article 15 shall apply . ### the power to adopt the delegated acts referred to in article 4a and article 5 shall be conferred on the commission for an indeterminate period of time .


### the delegation of power referred to in article 5 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . ### the delegation of power referred to in article 4a and article 5 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council .


### the european parliament and the council may within a period of six weeks from the date of notification object to the delegated act . in such a case , the act shall cease to be applicable . the institution which objects shall state the reasons for objecting to the delegated act . ### either the european parliament or the council may object to a delegated act in accordance with procedure referred to in article 14 . in such a case , the commission shall repeal the act without delay following the notification of the decision to object by the european parliament or by the council . the institution which objects shall state the reasons for objecting to the delegated act .


### by [ insert concrete date 3 years after entry into force ] , the commission shall present to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the european central bank a report on the application of this regulation accompanied , if appropriate , by a proposal . ### by . . . * , the commission shall present to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the european central bank a report on the application of this regulation accompanied , if appropriate , by a proposal . * oj please insert date : 5 years after entry into force of this regulation .


### payment service providers located in a member state which does not have the euro as its currency shall comply with the requirements set out in article 4 and in points 1 and 2 of the annex for credit transfers denominated in euros and with the requirements set out in article 4 and in points 1 and 3 of the annex for direct debit transactions denominated in euros by [ insert concrete date month ) 4 years after entry into force of this regulation ] . if , however , the euro is introduced as the currency of any such member state before [ insert concrete date 3 years after entry into force of this regulation ] , the payment service provider located in that member state shall meet those requirements within one year of the date on which the member state concerned joined the euro area . ### payment service providers located in a member state which does not have the euro as its currency shall comply with the requirements set out in article 4 and in points 1 and 2 of the annex for credit transfers denominated in euro and with the requirements set out in article 4 and in points 1 and 3 of the annex for direct debit transactions denominated in euro by . . . * . if , however , the euro is introduced as the currency of any such member state before [ insert concrete date three years after entry into force of this regulation ] , the payment service provider located in that member state shall meet those requirements within two years of the date on which the member state concerned joined the euro area . * oj please insert date : 4 years after entry into force of this regulation .


### the following technical requirements shall apply to both credit transfer and direct debit transactions : ### in addition to the essential technical requirements set out in article 4a , the following technical requirements shall apply to both credit transfer and direct debit transactions :


### the name of the payer and / or the iban of the payer ' s account ### the name of the payer


### in order to enhance consistency and comparability of non - financial information disclosed throughout the union , companies should be required to include in their annual report a non - financial statement containing information relating to at least environmental matters , social and employee - related matters , respect for human rights , anti - corruption and bribery matters . such statement should include a description of the policies , results , and the risks related to those matters . ### in order to enhance consistency and comparability of non - financial information disclosed throughout the union , companies should be required to include in their annual report a non - financial statement containing information relating to at least environmental matters , social and employee - related matters , anti - discrimination measures , respect for human rights , anti - corruption and bribery matters . such statement should include a description of the policies , results , and the risks related to those matters .


### 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 article 21 of the charter of fundamental rights and article 19 of the tfeu 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 .


### for companies whose average number of employees during the financial year exceeds 500 and , on their balance sheet dates , exceed either a balance sheet total of eur 20 million or a net turnover of eur 40 million , the review shall also include a non - financial statement containing information relating to at least environmental , social and employee matters , respect for human rights , anti - corruption and bribery matters , including : ### for companies whose average number of employees during the financial year exceeds 500 and , on their balance sheet dates , exceed either a balance sheet total of eur 20 million or a net turnover of eur 40 million , the review shall also include a non - financial statement containing information relating to at least environmental , social and employee matters , anti - discrimination measures , respect for human rights , anti - corruption and bribery matters , including :


### 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 article 21 of the charter of fundamental rights and article 19 of the tfeu , 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 .


### for parent undertakings of undertakings to be consolidated that together exceed an average number of 500 employees during the financial year , and , on their balance sheet dates , exceed either a balance sheet total of eur 20 million or a net turnover of eur 40 million , the review shall also include a non - financial statement containing information relating to at least environmental , social and employee matters , respect for human rights , anti - corruption and bribery matters , including the following : ### for parent undertakings of undertakings to be consolidated that together exceed an average number of 500 employees during the financial year , and , on their balance sheet dates , exceed either a balance sheet total of eur 20 million or a net turnover of eur 40 million , the review shall also include a non - financial statement containing information relating to at least environmental , social and employee matters , anti - discrimination measures , respect for human rights , anti - corruption and bribery matters , including the following :


### ensuring that minimum standards are in place and that working conditions improve constantly in the union is a central feature of union social policy . the union has an important role to play both in ensuring that the legislative framework is adapted , in line with ‘ smart regulation’ principles , to evolving work patterns and new health and safety risks and in financing measures to improve compliance with union rules on the protection of workers ' rights . ### ensuring that minimum standards are in place and that working conditions improve constantly in the union is a central feature of union social policy . the union has an important role to play both in ensuring that the legislative framework is adapted , in line with ‘ smart regulation’ principles , to evolving work patterns and new health and safety risks and in financing measures to improve compliance with union rules on the protection of workers’ rights , without forgetting the need for both men and women to reconcile their professional life and family life .


### lack of access to credit is one of the main obstacles to business creation , especially among people furthest from the labour market . union and national efforts in this area need to be stepped up in order to increase the supply of microfinance and meet demand from those who need it most , and in particular unemployed and vulnerable people who wish to start up or develop a micro - enterprise , including on a self - employed basis , but do not have access to credit . as a first step , in 2010 the european parliament and the council set up the facility . ### lack of access to credit is one of the main obstacles to business creation , especially among people furthest from the labour market . union and national efforts in this area need to be stepped up in order to increase the supply of microfinance and meet demand from those who need it most , and in particular unemployed people , women and vulnerable people who wish to start up or develop a micro - enterprise , including on a self - employed basis , but do not have access to credit . in this context , female entrepreneurship , made possible through easier access to microcredit , could make a significant contribution towards achieving the target of 75 % female employment , as defined by the europe 2020 strategy . as a first step , in 2010 the european parliament and the council set up the facility .


### making microfinance more available on the union’s young microfinance market calls for the institutional capacity of microfinance providers , and in particular non - bank microfinance institutions , to be stepped up in line with the commission communication ' a european initiative for the development of micro - credit ' . ### making microfinance more available on the union’s young microfinance market calls for the institutional capacity of microfinance providers , and in particular non - bank microfinance institutions , to be stepped up in line with the commission communication ‘ a european initiative for the development of micro - credit’ and the report by parliament’s committee on women ' s rights and gender equality ‘ promotion of women innovators and entrepreneurship’1 . _____________ 1 of 25 july 2008


### the commission , in cooperation with the member states , shall ensure that activities carried out under the programme are consistent with , and complementary to other union action , in particular under the european social fund and in such areas as social dialogue , justice and fundamental rights , education , vocational training and youth policy , research and innovation , entrepreneurship , health , enlargement and external relations , and general economic policy . ### the commission , in cooperation with the member states , shall ensure that activities carried out under the programme are consistent with , and complementary to other union action , in particular under the european social fund and in such areas as social dialogue , justice and fundamental rights , education , vocational training and youth policy , research and innovation , entrepreneurship , health , enlargement and external relations , and general economic policy . bearing in mind the important role of social and employment policies in promoting gender equality , the commission and the member states should also ensure that the programme ' s activities conform to the union ' s gender equality policies .


### however , where the information referred to in articles 16 , 17 and 18 is provided using a durable medium other than paper or by means of a website , a paper copy shall be provided to the customer upon request and free of charge . ### however , where the information referred to in articles 16 , 17 and 18 is provided using a durable medium other than paper or by means of a website , a paper copy shall be provided to the customer upon request and free of charge . the customer shall be informed about this right .


### the insurance intermediary or insurance undertaking and its services . when advice is provided , information shall specify whether the advice is provided on an independent basis and whether it is based on a broad or on a more restricted analysis of the market and shall indicate whether the insurance intermediary or insurance undertaking will provide the customer with the on - going assessment of the suitability of the insurance product recommended to the customer ; ### the insurance intermediary or insurance undertaking and its services . when advice is provided , information shall expressly specify whether the advice is provided on an independent basis and whether it is based on a broad or on a more restricted analysis of the market and shall indicate whether the insurance intermediary or insurance undertaking will provide the customer with the contractually guaranteed or non - binding on - going assessment of the suitability of the insurance product recommended to the customer ;


### the insurance intermediary or insurance undertaking shall establish a record that includes a document or documents such as a contract which has been agreed between the insurance intermediary or insurance undertaking and the customer that set out the rights and obligations of the parties , and the other terms on which the insurance intermediary or insurance undertaking will provide services to the customer . the rights and duties of the parties to the contract may be incorporated by reference to other documents or legal texts . ### the insurance intermediary or insurance undertaking shall establish a record that includes a document or documents such as a contract which has been agreed between the insurance intermediary or insurance undertaking and the customer that set out the rights and obligations of the parties , and the other terms on which the insurance intermediary or insurance undertaking will provide services to the customer . the rights and duties of the parties to the contract may be incorporated by reference to other documents or legal texts . that record shall be issued to the customer .


### the delegation of power referred to in article 49 shall be conferred for an indeterminate period of time from the date specified in article 60 . ### the delegation of power referred to in article 49 shall be conferred for seven years from the date specified in article 60 . the commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the seven - year period . the delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration , unless the european parliament or the council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period as from the entry into force of this directive .


### the commission’s report also concluded that more can be done to reduce emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases in the union , in particular by avoiding the use of those gases where there are safe and energy efficient alternative technologies with no impact or a lower impact on the climate . a decrease of up to two thirds of the 2010 emissions by 2030 is cost - effective because proved and tested alternatives are available in many sectors . ### the commission’s report also concluded that more can be done to reduce emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases in the union , in particular by avoiding the use of those gases where there are safe and energy efficient alternative technologies with no impact or a lower impact on the climate . given that proved and tested alternatives are available in many sectors , a decrease of up to two thirds of the 2010 emissions can be achieved readily and at reasonable cost by 2030 .


### the commission ' s report also concluded that more can be done to reduce emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases in the union , in particular by avoiding the use of those gases where there are safe and energy efficient alternative technologies with no impact or a lower impact on the climate . a decrease of up to two thirds of the 2010 emissions by 2030 is cost - effective because proved and tested alternatives are available in many sectors . ### the commission ' s report also concluded that more can be done to reduce emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases in the union , in particular by avoiding the use of those gases where there are safe and energy efficient alternative technologies with no impact or a lower impact on the climate . given that proved and tested alternatives are available in many sectors , a decrease of up to two thirds of the 2010 emissions can be achieved readily and at reasonable cost by 2030 .


### given that there are suitable alternatives , the current ban on using sulphur hexafluoride in magnesium die - casting and the recycling of magnesium die - casting alloys should be extended to facilities that use less than 850 kg per year . similarly , with an appropriate transitional period , the use of refrigerants with very high global warming potential to service or maintain refrigeration equipment with a large size equivalent of 5 tonnes of co2 or more should be banned . ### given that there are suitable alternatives , the current ban on using sulphur hexafluoride in magnesium die - casting and the recycling of magnesium die - casting alloys should be extended to facilities that use less than 850 kg per year . similarly , with an appropriate transitional period , the use of refrigerants with global warming potential of more than 2500 to service or maintain refrigeration equipment designed for an operating temperature of - 50°c or above and with a large size equivalent of 50 tonnes of co2 or more should be banned . the ban shall not apply until 1 january 2030 to recovered , reclaimed or recycled fluorinated greenhouse gases with a gwp of 2500 or more used for the maintenance or servicing of existing refrigeration equipment provided they have been recovered from such equipment .


### additional bans on the placing on the market of new equipment for refrigeration , air - conditioning and fire protection that operate using specific fluorinated greenhouse gases should be introduced where suitable alternatives to the use of those substances are available . in the light of future technical developments and the availability of cost - efficient alternatives to the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases , the commission should be empowered to include other products and equipment or to exclude , also temporarily , certain categories of products or equipment for which alternative substances which fall below the specified global warming potential limit are not available for technical or economic reasons , including insufficient supply of alternative substances on the market to meet the demand , or due to applicable safety standards excluding the use of relevant alternatives . ### additional bans on the placing on the market of new equipment for refrigeration , air - conditioning and fire protection that operate using specific fluorinated greenhouse gases should be introduced where suitable alternatives to the use of those substances are available . in the light of future technical developments and the availability of cost - efficient alternatives to the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases , the commission should be empowered to include other products and equipment . the commission should also be empowered to exclude , also temporarily , certain categories of products or equipment for which alternative substances which fall below the specified global warming potential limit are no longer available for technical or economic reasons , including insufficient supply of alternative substances on the market to meet the demand , or because new scientific or technical evidence on the safety of alternatives has emerged which rules out their use on the basis of the precautionary principle .


### such bans should only be introduced where they will result in lower overall greenhouse gas emissions , in particular from both the leakage of any fluorinated greenhouse gases and the co2 emissions resulting from their energy consumption . equipment containing fluorinated greenhouse gases should thus be allowed if their overall greenhouse gas emissions are less than those that would result from an equivalent equipment without fluorinated greenhouse gases , which has the maximum allowed energy consumption set out in relevant implementing measures adopted under directive 2009 / 125 / ec 41 . ### such bans should only be introduced where they will result in lower overall greenhouse gas emissions , in particular from both the leakage of any fluorinated greenhouse gases and the co2 emissions resulting from their energy consumption and production process . equipment containing fluorinated greenhouse gases should thus be allowed if their overall greenhouse gas emissions over the whole life - cycle , including by - product emissions during the production of fluorinated greenhouse gases , are less than those that would result from an equivalent equipment without fluorinated greenhouse gases .


### the quota allocation to individual companies should be based on the quantities of hydrofluorocarbons they have produced or imported during the reference period from 2008 to 2011 . however , in order not to exclude small operators , five per cent of the overall quantitative limit should be reserved for importers and producers who have not imported or produced more than 1 tonne of fluorinated greenhouse gases in the reference period . ### the quota allocation to individual companies should be based on the quantities of hydrofluorocarbons they have produced or imported during the reference period from 2009 to 2012 . however , in order not to exclude small operators , five per cent of the overall quantitative limit should be reserved for importers and producers who have not imported or produced more than 1 tonne of fluorinated greenhouse gases in the reference period . the allocation of the quota should be subject to a fee , which should be collected by the commission and be used for the purpose described in article 14a .


### the commission should continuously monitor the effects of reducing the placing on the market of hydrofluorocarbons , including the effect of reduction on the supply for appliances where the use of hydrofluorocarbons would result in lower life - cycle emissions than if an alternative technology was used the monitoring should also ensure the early detection of health or safety concerns , due to negative impacts on the availability of medicinal products . a comprehensive review should be carried out before 2030 in time to adapt the provisions of this regulation in the light of its implementation and of new developments and to adopt , if appropriate , further reduction measures . ### the commission should continuously monitor the effects of reducing the placing on the market of hydrofluorocarbons , including the effect of reduction on the supply for appliances where the use of hydrofluorocarbons would result in lower life - cycle emissions than if an alternative technology was used the monitoring should also ensure the early detection of health or safety concerns , due to negative impacts on the availability of medicinal products . a comprehensive review should be carried out after the first five years of implementation in time to adapt the provisions of this regulation in the light of its implementation and of new developments and to adopt , if appropriate , further reduction measures . thereafter , reviews will be carried out every five years .


### ' fluorinated greenhouse gases ' means the hydrofluorocarbons , perfluorocarbons , sulphur hexafluoride and other greenhouse gases that contain fluorine , as listed in annex i , whether alone or in a mixture ; ### ' fluorinated greenhouse gases ' means the hydrofluorocarbons , perfluorocarbons , sulphur hexafluoride and other greenhouse gases that contain fluorine , as listed in annexes i and ii , whether alone or in a mixture , but shall only refer to those fluorinated greenhouse gases listed in annex i unless otherwise indicated ;


### ‘ stationary’ means not in motion during operation ; ### ‘ stationary’ means not normally in transit during operation ;


### the quantities of fluorinated greenhouse gases added and the reasons for adding them ; ### the quantities of fluorinated greenhouse gases added with a specification if it is virgin , recycled or reclaimed and the reasons for adding them ;


### this paragraph shall apply to operators of electrical switchgear that contains sf6 and of the equipment referred to in article 3 . ### operators shall submit records to competent authorities on an annual basis with summaries of compliance . this paragraph shall apply to operators of electrical switchgear that contains sf6 and of the equipment referred to in article 3 .


### the commission may determine the format of the records referred to in paragraph 1 and specify how they should be established and maintained in an implementing act . that implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 21 . ### the commission shall determine the format of the records and summaries of compliance referred to in paragraph 1 and specify how they should be established and maintained in an electronic database through an implementing act adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 21 . the format and specifications shall be adopted by [ 1 january 2015 . ]


### producers of fluorinated compounds shall take all the precautions necessary to limit emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases , to the greatest extent possible , during production , transport and storage . ### producers of fluorinated compounds shall take all the precautions necessary to limit emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases , to the greatest extent possible , during production , transport and storage . this shall also apply where greenhouse gases are produced as by - products .


### the placing on the market of specific products and equipment listed in annex iii shall be prohibited from the date specified in that annex , where applicable differentiating according to the type or global warming potential of the fluorinated greenhouse gas contained . ### the placing on the market of specific products and equipment listed in annex iii shall be prohibited from the date specified in that annex , where applicable differentiating according to the type or global warming potential of the fluorinated greenhouse gas contained . member states shall not further restrict the placing on the market or putting into service of products or equipment not listed in annex iii .


### the commission shall ensure that the quantity of hydrofluorocarbons that producers and importers are entitled to place on the market in the union each year does not exceed the maximum quantity for the year in question calculated in accordance with annex v . each producer and importer shall ensure that the quantity of hydrofluorocarbons calculated in accordance with annex v that it places on the market does not exceed the quota allocated to it pursuant to article 14 or transferred to it pursuant to article 16 . ### the commission shall ensure that where safe and technologically - and economically - viable alternatives are available on the market , the quantity of hydrofluorocarbons that producers and importers are entitled to place on the market in the union each year does not exceed the maximum quantity for the year in question calculated in accordance with annex v . each producer and importer shall ensure that the quantity of hydrofluorocarbons calculated in accordance with annex v that it places on the market does not exceed the quota allocated to it pursuant to article 14 or transferred to it pursuant to article 16 .


### no later than 31 december 2024 , it shall publish a comprehensive report on the effects of this regulation , including a forecast of the continued demand for hydrofluorocarbons after 2030 . ### no later than 11 years after the entry into force of this regulation , it shall publish a full and comprehensive report on the effects of this regulation during the first 10 years of implementation , including a forecast of the continued demand for hydrofluorocarbons after 2030 .


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in articles 3 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 13 , 14 , 17 , 18 and 19 and may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision of revocation shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision . it shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the official journal of the european union or on a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force . ### the delegation of power referred to in articles 3 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 13 and , article 6 , articles 17 , 18 and 19 and may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision of revocation shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision . it shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the official journal of the european union or on a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force .


### this regulation sets out a system of sanctions for enhancing the enforcement of the preventive and corrective parts of the stability and growth pact in the euro area . ### this regulation sets out a system of incentives and sanctions for enhancing the enforcement of the preventive and corrective parts of the stability and growth pact and strengthening the coordination and surveillance of the budgetary discipline in the euro area .


### in the context of the treaty establishing the european community , the exercise of implementing powers by the commission was governed by council decision 1999 / 468 / ec of 28 june 1999 . ### in the context of the treaty establishing the european community , the exercise of implementing powers by the commission was governed by council decision 1999 / 468 / ec of 28 june 1999 . this arrangement should be discontinued in order to meet the requirements laid down following the latest reform of the treaties .


### the treaty on the functioning of the european union now requires the european parliament and the council to lay down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by member states of the commission ' s exercise of implementing powers . ### the treaty on the functioning of the european union now requires the european parliament and the council to lay down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by member states of the commission ' s exercise of implementing powers . such control does not preclude or restrict the democratic control resulting from the provisions regarding democratic principles , the conditions governing the functioning of the institutions and the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as laid down in , inter alia , articles 5 , 10 , 11 and 13 of the treaty on european union and protocol no 2 to the treaties .


### it is necessary to ensure that procedures for such control are clear , effective and proportionate to the nature of the implementing acts and that they reflect the institutional requirements of the treaty as well as the experience gained and the common practice followed in the implementation of decision 1999 / 468 / ec . ### it is necessary to ensure that procedures for control are clear , effective and proportionate to the nature of the implementing acts and that they reflect the institutional requirements of the treaty and the equal footing of the european parliament and the council with regard to all acts adopted under the ordinary legislative procedure , as well as the experience gained and the common practice followed in the implementation of decision 1999 / 468 / ec .


### in those basic acts which require the control of the member states for the adoption by the commission of implementing acts , it is appropriate that for the purposes of such a control there should be instituted committees composed of the representatives of the member states and chaired by the commission . ### in those basic acts which require the control of the member states for the adoption by the commission of implementing acts , it is appropriate that for the purposes of such control there should be instituted committees composed of the representatives of the member states and chaired by the commission as well as observers from the council and the european parliament .


### the european parliament and the council should be kept informed of committee proceedings on a regular basis . ### in order to ensure that the functions of the european parliament and the council established in the treaty on the functioning of the european union are fully respected , they should be promptly and fully informed of committee proceedings sufficiently far in advance of the adoption of each measure .


### this regulation lays down the rules and general principles governing the mechanisms which shall apply in cases where a legally binding union act requires that the adoption of binding implementing acts by the commission be subject to the control of member states . ### this regulation lays down the rules and general principles governing the mechanisms which shall apply in cases where a legally binding union act identifies the need for uniform conditions of implementation and requires that the adoption or exercise of implementing acts by the commission be subject to the control of member states .


### the examination procedure may only apply for the adoption of : ### the examination procedure shall apply for the adoption of :


### for all other implementing measures , and for implementing measures referred to in paragraph 2 where it is considered to be appropriate , the advisory procedure shall apply . ### for all other implementing measures , and for implementing measures referred to in paragraph 2 where it is considered to be appropriate , the advisory procedure may apply .


### the commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of the representatives of the member states and chaired by a representative of the commission . ### the commission shall be assisted by a committee composed of the representatives of the member states and chaired by a representative of the commission as well as observers from the council and the european parliament .


### the chairperson may obtain the committee’s opinion by written procedure . he or she shall send the committee members the draft measures on which their opinion is sought and shall lay down a time - limit according to the urgency of the matter . any committee member who does not explicitly oppose or abstain before the time - limit laid down expires is considered to have given their tacit agreement to the draft measures . ### the chairperson may obtain the committee’s opinion by written procedure . he or she shall send the committee members and observers the draft measures on which their opinion is sought and shall lay down a time - limit according to the urgency of the matter . any committee member who does not explicitly oppose or abstain before the time - limit laid down expires is considered to have given their tacit agreement to the draft measures .


### the european parliament and the council shall have access to the information referred to in paragraph 1 . ### the european parliament and the council shall have equal access to the information referred to in paragraph 1 . to that end , the european parliament and the council shall be sent all information referred to in paragraph 1 at the same time and on the same terms as it is sent to the committee members .


### the mobilisation of regional and local stakeholders is necessary to deliver the europe 2020 strategy and its headline targets . territorial pacts , local initiatives for employment and social inclusion , community - led local development strategies and sustainable urban development strategies may be used and supported to involve more actively regional and local authorities , cities , social partners and non - governmental organisations in the implementation of programmes . ### the active involvement of regional and local stakeholders is necessary to deliver the europe 2020 strategy and its headline targets . territorial pacts , local initiatives for employment and social inclusion , community - led local development strategies and sustainable urban development strategies shall be used and supported to increase the influence of regional and local authorities , cities , social partners and non - governmental organisations in the preparation and implementation of programmes .


### the esf shall promote high levels of employment and job quality , support the geographical and occupational mobility of workers , facilitate their adaptation to change , encourage a high level of education and training , promote gender equality , equal opportunities and non - discrimination , enhance social inclusion and combat poverty , thereby contributing to the priorities of the european union as regards strengthening economic , social and territorial cohesion . ### the esf shall promote high levels of employment and the creation of more jobs , improve job quality in all its aspects , support the geographical and occupational mobility of workers , facilitate their adaptation to technological changes and labour market developments , encourage a high level of education and training , guarantee gender equality , equal opportunities and non - discrimination , enhance social inclusion and combat poverty , thereby contributing to the priorities of the european union as regards strengthening economic , social and territorial cohesion . as the guiding principle underlying all its actions , the esf shall aim to reduce social inequalities and disparities with regard to employment at national , regional and local level .


### the esf shall benefit people , including disadvantaged groups such as the long - term unemployed , people with disabilities , migrants , ethnic minorities , marginalised communities and people facing social exclusion . the esf shall also provide support to enterprises , systems and structures with a view to facilitating their adaptation to new challenges and promoting good governance and the implementation of reforms , in particular in the fields of employment , education and social policies . ### the esf shall benefit people , including disadvantaged groups such as the long - term unemployed , people with disabilities , migrants , including asylum - seekers , ethnic minorities , marginalised communities and people facing social exclusion . the esf shall also provide support to enterprises , systems and structures with a view to facilitating their adaptation to new challenges and promoting good governance and the implementation of reforms , in particular in the fields of employment , education and social policies .


### equality between men and women and reconciliation between work and private life ; ### effective equality between men and women and reconciliation between work and personal and family life ;


### investing in education , skills and life - long learning through : ### investing in education , skills and life - long learning , in a way that is adapted to the needs and individual characteristics of the groups concerned , through :


### reducing early school - leaving and promoting equal access to good - quality early - childhood , primary and secondary education ### preventing and reducing school - leaving and promoting equal access to good - quality early childhood , primary and secondary education ;


### integration of marginalised communities such as the roma ; ### full social and employment integration of marginalised communities such as the roma ;


### this investment priority is only applicable throughout the territory of the member states which have at least one nuts level 2 region as defined in article 82 of regulation no [ … ] or in member states eligible for cohesion fund support . ### this investment priority is only applicable throughout the territory of the member states which have at least one nuts level 2 region as defined in article 82 of regulation no [ … ] , in member states eligible for cohesion fund support , or in member states which have high levels of unemployment , with the aim of establishing actions that will contribute to job creation by enhancing institutional capacity and ensuring efficient public administration and public services .


### supporting the shift towards a low - carbon , climate - resilient , resource - efficient and environmentally sustainable economy , through reform of education and training systems , adaptation of skills and qualifications , up - skilling of the labour force , and the creation of new jobs in sectors related to the environment and energy ; ### supporting the shift towards a low - carbon , climate - resilient , resource - and energy efficient , and environmentally sustainable economy , through reform of education and training systems , adaptation of skills and qualifications , up - skilling of the labour force , and the creation of new green jobs in sectors related to the environment and energy ;


### the involvement of the social partners and other stakeholders , in particular non - governmental organisations , in the implementation of operational programmes , as referred to in article 5 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] , may take the form of global grants as defined in article 113 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] . in such a case , the operational programme shall identify the part of the programme concerned by the global grant , including an indicative financial allocation from each priority axis to it . ### the involvement of local and regional authorities and of the social partners and other stakeholders , in particular non - governmental organisations , in the implementation of operational programmes , as referred to in article 5 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] , may take the form of technical assistance under articles 108 and 109 of regulation n&#186 ; [ &#8230 ; ] and of global grants as defined in article 113 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] . in such a case , the operational programme shall identify the part of the programme concerned by the global grant , including an indicative financial allocation from each priority axis to it .


### to encourage adequate participation of the social partners in actions supported by the esf , managing authorities of an operational programme in a region as defined in article 82 of regulation no [ … ] or in member states eligible for cohesion fund support shall ensure that an appropriate amount of esf resources is allocated to capacity - building activities , in the form of training , networking measures , and strengthening of the social dialogue , and to activities jointly undertaken by the social partners . ### to encourage adequate participation of the social partners in actions supported by the esf , managing authorities of an operational programme in a region as defined in article 82 of regulation no [ … ] or in member states eligible for cohesion fund support shall ensure that an appropriate amount of esf resources is allocated to capacity - building activities , in the form of technical assistance , training , networking measures , and strengthening of the social dialogue , and to activities jointly undertaken by the social partners .


### to encourage adequate participation of the social partners in actions supported by the esf , managing authorities of an operational programme in a region as defined in article 82 of regulation no [ … ] or in member states eligible for cohesion fund support shall ensure that an appropriate amount of esf resources is allocated to capacity - building activities , in the form of training , networking measures , and strengthening of the social dialogue , and to activities jointly undertaken by the social partners . ### to encourage adequate participation of the social partners in the preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation of the programmes supported by the esf , in accordance with article 5 of article 5 of regulation eu no [ … ] , managing authorities of an operational programme shall ensure that esf resources are allocated to capacity - building activities , in the form of training , networking measures , and strengthening of the social dialogue , and to activities jointly undertaken by the social partners .


### to encourage adequate participation of and access by non - governmental organisations to actions supported by the esf , notably in the fields of social inclusion , gender equality and equal opportunities , the managing authorities of an operational programme in a region as defined in article 82 of regulation no [ … ] or in member states eligible for cohesion fund support shall ensure that an appropriate amount of esf resources is allocated to capacity - building for non - governmental organisations . ### to encourage adequate participation of non - governmental organisations in the preparation , implementation , monitoring and evaluation of the programmes supported by the esf , and their access to these in accordance with article 5 of regulation eu no [ … ] , notably in the fields of social inclusion , gender equality and equal opportunities , the managing authorities of an operational programme shall ensure that esf resources are allocated to capacity - building for non - governmental organisations .


### the member states and the commission shall promote equality between men and women through mainstreaming as referred to in article 7 of regulation no [ … ] and specific targeted actions as referred to in article 3 , in particular with the aim of increasing the sustainable participation and progress of women in employment , reducing gender - based segregation in the labour market , combating gender stereotypes in education and training and promoting reconciliation of work and personal life for men and women . ### the member states and the commission shall promote equality between men and women through mainstreaming as referred to in article 7 of regulation no [ … ] and specific targeted actions as referred to in article 3 , in particular with the aim of increasing the genuine and lasting participation and progress of women in the labour market , especially following periods of maternity and caring for dependents , reducing gender - based segregation in the labour market and gender wage differentiation , combating gender stereotypes in education and training and ensuring reconciliation of work and personal and family life for men and women , with a special focus on the needs of people caring for dependents and on creating childcare centres at the workplace .


### the member states and the commission shall promote equal opportunities for all , including accessibility for disabled persons through mainstreaming the principle of non - discrimination , as referred to in article 7 of regulation no [ … ] , and through specific actions within the investment priorities as defined in article 3 , and in particular article 3 . such actions shall target people at risk of discrimination and people with disabilities , with a view to increasing their labour market participation , enhancing their social inclusion , reducing inequalities in terms of educational attainment and health status and facilitating the transition from institutional to community - based care . ### the member states and the commission shall promote the combating of discrimination and the acceptance of diversity and equal opportunities for all , including accessibility for disabled persons through mainstreaming the principle of non - discrimination , as referred to in article 7 of regulation no [ … ] , and through specific actions within the investment priorities as defined in article 3 , and in particular article 3 . such actions shall target people who experience discrimination , especially where this is multiple discrimination , people at risk of discrimination and people with disabilities , with a view to increasing their labour market participation , enhancing their social inclusion , reducing inequalities in terms of educational attainment and health status and facilitating the transition from institutional to community - based care .


### member states shall identify themes for social innovation , corresponding to their specific needs in their operational programmes . ### member states shall identify in their operational programmes , in cooperation with their local and regional authority partners and with the participation of all the stakeholders , themes for social innovation corresponding to their specific needs and specific regional needs .


### the commission shall facilitate capacity building for social innovation , in particular through supporting mutual learning , establishing networks , and disseminating good practices and methodologies . ### the commission shall facilitate capacity building for social innovation , in particular through supporting mutual learning , establishing networks , and disseminating good practices and methodologies . it shall also ensure that the social innovation measures under the esf are consistent with , and complementary to , those taken under the eu programme for social change and innovation .


### transnational cooperation ### cross - border , transnational and interregional cooperation


### the commission shall facilitate transnational cooperation on the themes referred to in paragraph 2 through mutual learning and coordinated or joint action . in particular , the commission shall operate an eu - level platform to facilitate the exchange of experience , capacity building and networking , as well as dissemination of the relevant outcomes . in addition , the commission shall develop a coordinated implementation framework , including common eligibility criteria , types and timing of actions , and common methodological approaches for monitoring and evaluation , with a view to facilitating transnational cooperation . ### the commission shall facilitate cross - border , transnational and interegional cooperation on the themes referred to in paragraph 2 through mutual learning and coordinated or joint action . in particular , the commission shall operate an eu - level platform to facilitate the exchange of experience , capacity building and networking , as well as dissemination of the relevant outcomes . in addition , the commission shall develop a coordinated implementation framework , including common eligibility criteria , types and timing of actions , and common methodological approaches for monitoring and evaluation , with a view to facilitating the cooperation .


### by way of derogation from article 87 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] , operational programmes may set out priority axes for the implementation of social innovation and transnational cooperation as referred to in articles 9 and 10 . ### by way of derogation from article&#160 ; 87 of regulation no [ &#8230 ; ] , operational programmes should set out priority axes for the implementation of social innovation and transnational cooperation as referred to in articles&#160 ; 9 and 10 .


### by way of derogation from article 109 of regulation no [ … ] , the maximum co - financing rate for a priority axis shall be increased by ten percentage points , but not exceeding 100% , where the whole of a priority axis is dedicated to social innovation or to transnational cooperation , or a combination of both . ### by way of derogation from article 109 of regulation no [ … ] , the maximum co - financing rate for a priority axis shall be increased by at least ten percentage points , but not exceeding 100 % , where the whole of a priority axis is dedicated to social innovation or to transnational cooperation , or a combination of both .


### complementing erdf interventions as referred to in article 7 of regulation no [ erdf ] , the esf may support sustainable urban development through strategies setting out integrated actions to tackle the economic , environmental and social challenges affecting urban areas of cities which are listed in the partnership contract . ### complementing erdf interventions as referred to in article 7 of regulation no [ erdf ] , the esf may support sustainable local – rural and urban – development through strategies setting out integrated actions to tackle the economic , environmental and social challenges affecting urban areas of cities which are listed in the partnership contract .


### the obligations of the authorities for the programme in relation to management , control and audit concerning the operation are fulfilled by the authorities responsible for the programme under which that operation is supported or they enter into agreements with authorities in the member state in which the operation is implemented provided that the conditions set out in paragraph 2 and the obligations in relation to management , control and audit concerning the operation are fulfilled . ### the obligations of the authorities for the programme in relation to management , control and audit concerning the operation are fulfilled by the authorities responsible for the programme under which that operation is supported or they enter into agreements with authorities in the member state in which the operation is implemented provided that the conditions set out in paragraph 2 and the obligations in relation to management , control and audit concerning the operation are fulfilled . within 5% of the budget of the esf operational programme , expenditure under such operations and provided they concern research and innovation , education and training is eligible outside the union if incurred and paid according to the member state and eu rules applicable to the operational programme . if a programme is funded through more than one fund , article 87 of the regulation no [ . . . ] / 2012 [ cpr ] the maximum of 5% is calculated on the basis of the allocation to the programme from the esf .


### these data on participants entering an esf supported operation are to be provided in the annual implementation reports as specified in article 44 and and article 101 of regulation no [ … ] . all data are to be broken down by gender . ### these data on participants entering an esf supported operation are to be provided in the annual implementation reports as specified in article 44 and and article 101 of regulation no [ … ] . all data are to be broken down by sex in order to show the impact of the interventions on men and women .


### these data are to be provided in the annual implementation reports as specified in article 44 of regulation no [ … ] . they are to be collected based on a representative sample of participants within each priority axis or sub - priority . internal validity of the sample should be ensured in such a way that the data can be generalised at the level of priority axis or sub - priority . all data are to be broken down by gender . ### these data are to be provided in the annual implementation reports as specified in article 44 of regulation no [ … ] . they are to be collected based on a representative sample of participants within each priority axis or sub - priority . internal validity of the sample should be ensured in such a way that the data can be generalised at the level of priority axis or sub - priority . all data are to be broken down by sex in order to show the impact of the interventions on men and women .


### european standardisation also helps to boost the competitiveness of enterprises by facilitating in particular the free movement of goods and services , network interoperability , means of communication , technological development and innovation . standards produce significant positive economic effects , for example by promoting economic interpenetration on the internal market and encouraging the development of new and improved products or markets and improved supply conditions . standards thus normally increase competition and lower output and sales costs , benefiting economies as a whole . standards may maintain and enhance quality , provide information and ensure interoperability and compatibility , thereby increasing value for consumers . ### european standardisation also helps to boost the competitiveness of enterprises by facilitating in particular the free movement of goods and services , network interoperability , means of communication , technological development and innovation . standards produce significant positive economic effects , for example by promoting economic interpenetration on the internal market and encouraging the development of new and improved products or markets and improved supply conditions . standards thus normally increase competition and lower output and sales costs , benefiting economies as a whole and consumers in particular . standards may maintain and enhance quality , provide information and ensure interoperability and compatibility , thereby increasing safety and value for consumers .


### within the union , national standards are adopted by national standardisation bodies which could lead to conflicting standards and technical impediments in the internal market . therefore , it is necessary for the internal market and for the effectiveness of standardisation within the union to confirm the existing regular exchange of information between the national standardisation bodies , the european standardisation bodies and the commission , about current and future standardisation work . this exchange of information should be aligned with annex 3 to agreement on technical barriers to trade approved by council decision no 80 / 271 / eec of 10 december 1979 concerning the conclusion of the multilateral agreements resulting from the 1973 to 1979 trade negotiations . ### within the union , national standards are adopted by national standardisation entities which could lead to conflicting standards and technical impediments in the eu internal market . therefore , it is necessary for the eu internal market and for the effectiveness of standardisation within the union to confirm the existing regular exchange of information between the national standardisation entities , the european standardisation organisations and the commission , about current and future standardisation work , and also about regulations on the standstill principle concerning their application to national standardisation entities under european standardisation organisations . this exchange of information should be aligned with annex 3 to agreement on technical barriers to trade approved by council decision no 80 / 271 / eec of 10 december 1979 concerning the conclusion of the multilateral agreements resulting from the 1973 to 1979 trade negotiations .


### standards can contribute to helping european policy address the major societal challenges such as climate change , sustainable resource use , ageing , and innovation in general . by driving the development of european or international standards for goods and technologies in these expanding markets , europe could create a competitive advantage for its companies and facilitate trade . ### though standards primarily are market driven tools used on a voluntary basis by stakeholders , they can contribute significantly to helping european policy address the major societal challenges such as climate change , sustainable resource use , ageing , disability , consumer protection , workers ' safety and conditions , social inclusion and innovation in general . by driving the development of european or international standards for goods and technologies in these expanding markets , europe could create a competitive advantage for its companies and facilitate trade .


### standards can contribute to helping european policy address the major societal challenges such as climate change , sustainable resource use , ageing , and innovation in general . by driving the development of european or international standards for goods and technologies in these expanding markets , europe could create a competitive advantage for its companies and facilitate trade . ### standards can contribute to helping european policy address the major challenges of the 21st century such as globalisation , the economic and financial crisis , climate change , sustainable resource use , population ageing , internal - market weaknesses , and innovation in general . by driving the development of european or international standards for goods and technologies in these expanding markets , europe could create a competitive advantage for its companies and facilitate trade , in particular for smes , which account for a large proportion of european companies .


### european standards are of vital interest for the competitiveness of smes which , however , are in general under - represented in standardisation activities , in particular at european level . thus , this regulation should ensure an appropriate representation of sme in the european standardisation process by an entity with appropriate qualifications . ### european standards are of vital interest for the competitiveness of smes which , however , are in some areas under - represented in standardisation activities , in particular at european level . thus , this regulation should encourage and facilitate an appropriate representation and participation of smes in the european standardisation process .