### the commission shall implement information and communication actions relating to the programme , and its actions and results . financial resources allocated to the programme shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the union , as far as they are related to the objectives referred to in article 3 . ### the commission shall implement information and communication actions relating to the programme , in order to raise awareness among consumers , citizens , businesses , especially in the agricultural and food supply chain , about the resources provided through the financial instruments of this regulation , as well as about its actions and results . financial resources allocated to the programme shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the union , as far as they are related to the objectives referred to in article 3 .


### persons who work for an organisation or are in contact with it in the context of their work - related activities are often the first to know about threats or harm to the public interest which arise in this context . by ' blowing the whistle ' they play a key role in exposing and preventing breaches of the law and in safeguarding the welfare of society . however , potential whistleblowers are often discouraged from reporting their concerns or suspicions for fear of retaliation . ### persons who work or worked for an organisation or are or were in contact with it are often the first to know about threats , harm or criminal or illegal activities . by ' blowing the whistle ' they play a key role in unveiling violations of fundamental rights and in safeguarding the welfare of society . whistleblowers play a crucial role in unveiling wrongdoing or unethical and dishonest conduct to the public interest that is not unlawful . it is often difficult for them to assess the lawfulness of facts . therefore according to the european court of human rights the legal assessment is not the task of the whistleblowers . 4 it is sufficient that they act in good faith that the facts are correct . however , potential whistleblowers are often discouraged from reporting their concerns or suspicions for fear of retaliation . 4echr , v . section , 27 . 07 . 2011 - 28274 / 08 , heinisch / germany .


### in certain policy areas , breaches of union law may cause serious harm to the public interest , in the sense of creating significant risks for the welfare of society . where weaknesses of enforcement have been identified in those areas , and whistleblowers are in a privileged position to disclose breaches , it is necessary to enhance enforcement by ensuring effective protection of whistleblowers from retaliation and introducing effective reporting channels . ### in certain policy areas , breaches of union law may cause serious harm to the public interest , in the sense of creating significant risks for the welfare of society . if whistleblowers make a disclosure in the public interest , their effective protection from retaliation must be insured and effective internal and external reporting channels must be introduced .


### whistleblower protection currently provided in the european union is fragmented across member states and uneven across policy areas . the consequences of breaches of union law with cross - border dimension uncovered by whistleblowers illustrate how insufficient protection in one member state not only negatively impacts on the functioning of eu policies in that member state but can also spill over into other member states and the union as a whole . ### whistleblower protection currently provided in the european union is fragmented across member states and uneven across policy areas . whistleblowers shall be protected if they disclose breaches of law or wrongdoing or misconduct in the public interest . insufficient protection in one member state not only negatively impacts on the functioning of eu policies in that member state but can also spill over into other member states and the union as a whole .


### the importance of whistleblower protection in terms of preventing and deterring breaches of union rules on transport safety which can endanger human lives has been already acknowledged in sectorial union instruments on aviation safety38 and maritime transport safety39 , which provide for tailored measures of protection to whistleblowers as well as specific reporting channels . these instruments also include the protection from retaliation of the workers reporting on their own honest mistakes . it is necessary to complement the existing elements of whistleblower protection in these two sectors as well as to provide such protection to enhance the enforcement of safety standards for other transport modes , namely road and railway transport . _________________ 38 regulation no 376 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council , of 3 april 2014 , on the reporting , analysis and follow - up of occurrences in civil aviation . 39 directive 2013 / 54 / eu , of the european parliament and of the council , of 20 november 2013 , concerning certain flag state responsibilities for compliance with and enforcement of the maritime labour convention , directive 2009 / 16 / ec of the european parliament and of the council , of 23 april 2009 , on port state control . ### the importance of whistleblower protection in terms of preventing and deterring breaches of union rules on transport safety which can endanger human lives has been already acknowledged in sectorial union instruments on aviation safety38 and maritime transport safety39 , which provide for tailored measures of protection to whistleblowers as well as specific reporting channels . these instruments also include the protection from retaliation of the workers reporting on their own honest mistakes . inter alia it is necessary to complement the existing elements of whistleblower protection in these two sectors as well as to provide such protection to enhance the enforcement of safety standards for other transport modes , namely road and railway transport . _________________ 38 regulation no 376 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council , of 3 april 2014 , on the reporting , analysis and follow - up of occurrences in civil aviation . 39 directive 2013 / 54 / eu , of the european parliament and of the council , of 20 november 2013 , concerning certain flag state responsibilities for compliance with and enforcement of the maritime labour convention , directive 2009 / 16 / ec of the european parliament and of the council , of 23 april 2009 , on port state control .


### the protection of privacy and personal data is another area where whistleblowers are in a privileged position to disclose breaches of union law which can seriously harm the public interest . similar considerations apply for breaches of the directive on the security of network and information systems45 , which introduces notification of incidents and security requirements for entities providing essential services across many sectors and providers of key digital services . whistleblowers ' reporting in this area is particularly valuable to prevent security incidents that would affect key economic and social activities and widely used digital services . it helps ensuring the continuity of services which are essential for the functioning of the internal market and the wellbeing of society . _________________ 45 directive 2016 / 1148 of the european parliament and of the council of 6 july 2016 concerning measures for a high common level of security of network and information systems across the union . ### the protection of privacy and personal data is another area where whistleblowers are in a privileged position to disclose breaches of union law which can seriously harm the public interest . similar considerations apply for breaches of the directive on the security of network and information systems45 , which introduces notification of incidents and security requirements for entities providing essential services across many sectors and providers of key digital services . whistleblowers ' reporting in this area is particularly valuable to prevent security incidents that would affect key economic and social activities and widely used digital services . it helps ensuring the continuity of services which are essential for society . _________________ 45 directive 2016 / 1148 of the european parliament and of the council of 6 july 2016 concerning measures for a high common level of security of network and information systems across the union .


### this directive should be without prejudice to the protection afforded to employees when reporting on breaches of union employment law . in particular , in the area of occupational safety and health , article 11 of framework directive 89 / 391 / eec already requires member states to ensure that workers or workers ' representatives shall not be placed at a disadvantage because of their requests or proposals to employers to take appropriate measures to mitigate hazards for workers and / or to remove sources of danger . workers and their representatives are entitled to raise issues with the competent national authorities if they consider that the measures taken and the means employed by the employer are inadequate for the purposes of ensuring safety and health . ### this directive should be without prejudice to the protection afforded to employees when reporting on misconduct or wrongdoing or on breaches of union as well as national law . in particular , in the area of occupational safety and health , article 11 of framework directive 89 / 391 / eec already requires member states to ensure that workers or workers ' representatives shall not be placed at a disadvantage because of their requests or proposals to employers to take appropriate measures to mitigate hazards for workers and / or to remove sources of danger . workers and their representatives are entitled to raise issues with the competent national authorities if they consider that the measures taken and the means employed by the employer are inadequate for the purposes of ensuring safety and health .


### persons who report information about threats or harm to the public interest obtained in the context of their work - related activities make use of their right to freedom of expression . the right to freedom of expression , enshrined in article 11 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and in article 10 of the european convention on human rights , encompasses media freedom and pluralism . ### persons who report information about threats or harm to the public interest make use of their right to freedom of expression . freedom of expression is essential in a democratic society . and enshrined in article 11 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and in article 10 of the european convention on human rights , encompasses media freedom and pluralism .


### persons need specific legal protection where they acquire the information they report through their work - related activities and therefore run the risk of work - related retaliation . the underlying reason for providing them with protection is their position of economic vulnerability vis - à - vis the person on whom they de facto depend for work . when there is no such work - related power imbalance there is no need for protection against retaliation . ### no employment relationship should restrict someone’s right to freedom of expression . persons need specific legal protection where they acquire the information they report through their work - related activities and therefore run the risk of work - related retaliation . the underlying reason for providing them with protection is their position of vulnerability vis - à - vis the person on whom they de facto depend for work .


### protection should , firstly , apply to persons having the status of ' workers ' , within the meaning of article 45 tfeu , as interpreted by the court of justice of the european union52 , i . e . persons who , for a certain period of time , perform services for and under the direction of another person , in return of which they receive remuneration . protection should thus also be granted to workers in non - standard employment relationships , including part - time workers and fixed - term contract workers , as well as persons with a contract of employment or employment relationship with a temporary agency , which are types of relationships where standard protections against unfair treatment are often difficult to apply . _________________ 52 judgments of 3 july 1986 , lawrie - blum , case 66 / 85 ; 14 october 2010 , union syndicale solidaires isère , case c - 428 / 09 ; 9 july 2015 , balkaya , case c - 229 / 14 ; 4 december 2014 , fnv kunsten , case c - 413 / 13 ; and 17 november 2016 , ruhrlandklinik , case c - 216 / 15 . ### protection should , firstly , apply to persons having the status of ' workers ' , within the meaning of article 45 tfeu , as interpreted by the court of justice of the european union52 , i . e . persons who , for a certain period of time , perform services for and under the direction of another person , in return of which they receive remuneration . protection should thus also be granted to workers in non - standard employment relationships , including part - time workers and fixed - term contract workers , as well as persons with a contract of employment or employment relationship with a temporary agency , which are types of relationships where standard protections against unfair treatment are often difficult to apply . protection should thus also be granted to persons whose employment contract has ended either through for example retirement or end of contract and paid and unpaid trainees . finally , protection should also be granted to civil servants . _________________ 52 judgments of 3 july 1986 , lawrie - blum , case 66 / 85 ; 14 october 2010 , union syndicale solidaires isère , case c - 428 / 09 ; 9 july 2015 , balkaya , case c - 229 / 14 ; 4 december 2014 , fnv kunsten , case c - 413 / 13 ; and 17 november 2016 , ruhrlandklinik , case c - 216 / 15 .


### effective prevention of breaches of union law requires that protection is also granted to persons who provide information about potential breaches , which have not yet materialised , but are likely to be committed . for the same reasons , protection is warranted also for persons who do not provide positive evidence but raise reasonable concerns or suspicions . at the same time , protection should not apply to the reporting of information which is already in the public domain or of unsubstantiated rumours and hearsay . ### effective prevention of misconduct or wrongdoing or of breaches of union as well as national law requires that protection is also granted to persons who provide information about potential breaches , which have not yet materialised , but are likely to be committed . for the same reasons , protection is warranted also for persons who do not provide positive evidence but raise reasonable concerns or suspicions . at the same time , protection should not apply to the reporting of information which is already in the public domain or of unsubstantiated rumours and hearsay .


### provided the confidentiality of the identity of the reporting person is ensured , it is up to each individual private and public legal entity to define the kind of reporting channels to set up , such as in person , by post , by physical complaint box , by telephone hotline or through an online platform . however , reporting channels should not be limited to those amongst the tools , such as in - person reporting and complaint box , which do not guarantee confidentiality of the identity of the reporting person . ### provided the confidentiality and anonymity of the identity of the reporting person is ensured , it is up to each individual private and public legal entity to define the kind of reporting channels to set up , such as in person , by post , by physical complaint box , by telephone hotline or through an online platform . however , reporting channels should not be limited to those amongst the tools , such as in - person reporting and complaint box , which do not guarantee confidentiality and anonymity of the identity of the reporting person .


### effective detection and prevention of breaches of union law requires ensuring that potential whistleblowers can easily and in full confidentiality bring the information they possess to the attention of the relevant competent authorities which are able to investigate and to remedy the problem , where possible . ### effective detection and prevention of breaches of union law requires ensuring that potential whistleblowers can easily and in anonymity and full confidentiality bring the information they possess to the attention of the relevant competent authorities which are able to investigate and to remedy the problem , where possible .


### to enjoy protection , the reporting persons should reasonably believe , in light of the circumstances and the information available to them at the time of the reporting , that the matters reported by them are true . this reasonable belief should be presumed unless and until proven otherwise . this is an essential safeguard against malicious and frivolous or abusive reports , ensuring that those who deliberately and knowingly report wrong or misleading information do not enjoy protection . at the same time , it ensures that protection is not lost where the reporting person made an inaccurate report in honest error . in a similar vein , reporting persons should be entitled to protection under this directive if they have reasonable grounds to believe that the information reported falls within its scope . ### to enjoy protection , the reporting persons should reasonably believe , in light of the circumstances and the information available to them at the time of the reporting , that the matters reported by them are true . this reasonable belief should be presumed unless and until proven otherwise . this is an essential safeguard against malicious and frivolous or abusive reports , ensuring that those who deliberately and knowingly report wrong or misleading information do not enjoy protection . at the same time , it ensures that protection is not lost where the reporting person made an inaccurate report in good faith . in a similar vein , reporting persons should be entitled to protection under this directive if they have reasonable grounds to believe that the information reported falls within its scope .


### beyond an explicit prohibition of retaliation provided in law , it is crucial that reporting persons who do suffer retaliation have access to legal remedies . the appropriate remedy in each case will be determined by the kind of retaliation suffered . it may take the form of actions for reinstatement or for restauration of a cancelled permit , licence or contract ; compensation for actual and future financial losses ; compensation for other economic damage such as legal expenses and costs of medical treatment , and for intangible damage . ### beyond an explicit prohibition of retaliation provided in law , it is crucial that reporting persons who do suffer retaliation have access to legal remedies . the appropriate remedy in each case will be determined by the kind of retaliation suffered . it may take the form of actions for reinstatement or for restauration of a cancelled permit , licence or contract ; compensation for actual and future financial losses ; compensation for other economic damage such as legal expenses and costs of medical and psychological treatment , and for intangible damage .


### the objective of this directive , namely to strengthen enforcement in certain policy areas and acts where breaches of union law can cause serious harm to the public interest through effective whistleblower protection , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states acting alone or in an uncoordinated manner , but can rather be better achieved by union action providing minimum standards of harmonisation on whistleblower protection . moreover , only union action can provide coherence and align the existing union rules on whistleblower protection . therefore , the union may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve this objective . ### the objective of this directive , namely to strengthen enforcement in certain policy areas and acts where misconduct or wrongdoing or breaches of union law can cause serious harm to the public interest through effective whistleblower protection , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states acting alone or in an uncoordinated manner , but can rather be better achieved by union action providing minimum standards of harmonisation on whistleblower protection . moreover , only union action can provide coherence and align the existing union rules on whistleblower protection . therefore , the union may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve this objective .


### with a view to enhancing the enforcement of union law and policies in specific areas , this directive lays down common minimum standards for the protection of persons reporting on the following unlawful activities or abuse of law : ### with a view to enhancing the enforcement of union as well as national law and policies in specific areas , this directive lays down common minimum standards for the protection of persons reporting on misconduct of public interest , unlawful activities or abuse of law :


### persons having the status of worker , with the meaning of article 45 tfeu ; ### persons having or have had the status of worker , with the meaning of article 45 tfeu , including persons having the status of civil servants ;


### channels for receiving the reports which are designed , set up and operated in a manner that ensures the confidentiality of the identity of the reporting person and prevents access to non - authorised staff members ; ### channels for receiving the reports which are designed , set up and operated in a manner that ensures the confidentiality of the identity of the reporting person , allows for anonymous disclosures through the use of appropriate&#160 ; it systems and prevents access to non - authorised staff members ;


### clear and easily accessible information regarding the procedures and information on how and under what conditions reports can be made externally to competent authorities pursuant to article 13 and , where relevant , to bodies , offices or agencies of the union . ### clear , transparent and easily accessible information regarding the procedures and information on how and under what conditions reports can be made externally to competent authorities pursuant to article 13 and , where relevant , to bodies , offices or agencies of the union .


### written reports in electronic or paper format and / or oral report through telephone lines , whether recorded or unrecorded ; ### written reports in electronic or paper format , including options for anonymous disclosures , as well as disclosures employing cryptographic methods ;


### member states shall designate the authorities competent to receive and handle reports . ### member states shall designate the authorities competent to receive and handle reports . this includes designating specific , independent competent authorities entitled to receive and proceed reports on classified or sensitive information .


### establish independent and autonomous external reporting channels , which are both secure and ensure confidentiality , for receiving and handling information provided by the reporting person ; ### establish independent and autonomous external reporting channels , which are secure , ensure confidentiality and allow for anonymous disclosures , for receiving and processing information provided by the reporting person ;


### transmit the information contained in the report to competent bodies , offices or agencies of the union , as appropriate , for further investigation , where provided for under national or union law . ### transmit , while further ensuring confidentiality and / or anonymity of the reporting person , the information contained in the report to competent bodies , offices or agencies of the union , as appropriate , for further investigation , where provided for under national or union law .


### 7design of external reporting channels ### 7structure and functioning of external reporting channels


### the confidentiality regime applicable to reports , including a detailed description of the circumstances under which the confidential data of a reporting person may be disclosed . ### the confidentiality measures applicable to reports , including a detailed description of the circumstances under which the confidential data of a reporting person may be disclosed .


### a person reporting to relevant bodies , offices or agencies of the union on breaches falling within the scope of this directive shall qualify for protection as laid down in this directive under the same conditions as a person who reported externally in accordance with the conditions set out in paragraph 2 . ### a person reporting to relevant bodies , offices , elected officials or agencies of the union on breaches falling within the scope of this directive shall qualify for protection as laid down in this directive under the same conditions as a person who reported in accordance with the conditions set out in paragraph 1 ) .


### a person publicly disclosing information on breaches falling within the scope of this directive shall qualify for protection under this directive where : ### a person making a public disclosure on breaches falling within the scope of this directive shall qualify for protection under this directive where any of the following are met :


### this regulation guarantees the right to respect for private and family life and to the protection of personal data , as set out in articles 7 and 8 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union . ### this regulation guarantees the right to respect for private and family life and to the protection of personal data , as set out in articles 7 and 8 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and in accordance with regulation eu 2016 / 679 .


### these statistics shall be disaggregated by age and sex and by the citizenship of the persons concerned , and by unaccompanied minors . they shall relate to reference periods of one calendar month and shall be supplied to the commission within two months of the end of the reference month . the first reference month shall be january 2020 . ### these statistics shall be disaggregated by age and sex and by the citizenship of the persons concerned , and by unaccompanied minors . they shall relate to reference periods of one calendar month and shall be supplied to the commission within two months of the end of the reference month . the first reference month shall be january 2020 . the statistics referred to in points and of subparagraph 1 shall be disaggregated by ground for detention pursuant to article 8 of directive 2013 / 33 / eu .


### these statistics shall be disaggregated by age and sex and by the citizenship of the persons concerned , and by unaccompanied minors . they shall relate to reference periods of three calendar months and shall be supplied to the commission within two months of the end of the reference period . the first reference period shall be january to march 2020 . ### these statistics shall be disaggregated by age and sex and by the citizenship of the persons concerned , and by unaccompanied minors . they shall relate to reference periods of three calendar months and shall be supplied to the commission within 60 days of the end of the reference period . the first reference period shall be january to march 2020 .


### at union level , the european semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation . member states develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of those reform priorities . those strategies should be presented alongside the yearly national reform programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priority investment projects to be supported by national and / or union funding . they should also serve to use union funding in a coherent manner and to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the programmes supported by the union under the european regional development fund , the cohesion fund , the european social fund , the european maritime and fisheries fund and the european agricultural fund for rural development , the european investment stabilisation function and investeu , where relevant . ### at union level , the european semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation . member states develop their own national multiannual investment strategies in support of those reform priorities . those strategies should be presented alongside the yearly national reform programmes as a way to outline and coordinate priority investment projects to be supported by national and / or union funding . they should also serve to use union funding in a coherent manner to achieve the proposed objectives and to maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the programmes supported by the union under the european regional development fund , the cohesion fund , the european social fund , the european maritime and fisheries fund and the european agricultural fund for rural development , the european investment stabilisation function and investeu , where relevant .


### the degree of implementation of structural reforms in the member states is still not sufficient across the union . experience with the implementation of the economic policy coordination mechanism under the european semester shows that , in general , the implementation of structural reforms has been slow and uneven and that national reform efforts should be reinforced and incentivised . ### the degree of implementation of structural reforms in the member states is still not sufficient across the union . experience with the implementation of the economic policy coordination mechanism under the european semester shows that , in general , the implementation of structural reforms has been slow and uneven and that national reform efforts should be reinforced and incentivised . to ensure the effective realisation of structural reforms , their implementation and the monitoring of their implementation should be compatible with the implementation and monitoring of cohesion policy .


### against that background , it is necessary to strengthen the current framework for the provision of support to member states by offering direct financial support , alongside technical support . to that end , a new reform support programme should be established to provide effective incentives to step up the implementation of structural reforms in the member states . the programme should be comprehensive and should also benefit from the experience gained by the commission and the member states from the use of the other instruments and programmes . the programme should also continue the actions and the mode of operation of the srsp , since they have been proven very useful , and have been appreciated by member states , for strengthening the administrative capacity of national authorities in various policy domains . the programme should also include targeted support for reforms in member states whose currency is not the euro and which have taken demonstrable steps towards adopting the single currency within a given time - frame . ### against that background , it is necessary to strengthen the current framework for the provision of support to member states by offering direct financial support , alongside technical support . to that end , a new reform support programme should be established to provide effective incentives to step up the implementation of structural reforms in the member states . the programme should be comprehensive and should also benefit from the experience gained by the commission and the member states from the use of the other instruments and programmes . the programme should also continue the actions and the mode of operation of the srsp , since they have been proven very useful , and have been appreciated by member states , for strengthening the administrative capacity of national authorities in various policy domains . the programme should also include targeted support for reforms in member states whose currency is not the euro and which have taken demonstrable steps towards adopting the single currency within a given time - frame . where such steps are not taken by the responsible national authorities , the programme should provide grants to stimulate a public debate on joining the euro area with the involvement of a wide range of stakeholders .


### specific objectives should be set for each instrument of the programme . with regard to the reform delivery tool , they should consist of fulfilling concrete milestones and targets set out in relation to the completion of reform commitments , which would trigger the release of the financial incentives . with regard to the technical support instrument , they should be to assist national authorities in their endeavours to design and implement reforms , by taking into account good practices and lessons learned from peers . those objectives should be pursued in all member states under those two instruments and , in the context of the convergence facility , by those member states whose currency is not the euro and which have taken demonstrable steps towards adopting the single currency within a given time - frame . ### specific objectives should be set for each instrument of the programme . with regard to the reform delivery tool , they should consist of fulfilling concrete milestones and targets set out in relation to the completion of reform commitments , which would trigger the release of the financial incentives . with regard to the technical support instrument , they should be to assist national authorities in their endeavours to design and implement reforms , by taking into account good practices and lessons learned from peers . those objectives should be pursued in all member states under those two instruments and , in the context of the convergence facility , by those member states whose currency is not the euro and which have taken demonstrable steps towards adopting the single currency within a given time - frame . where such steps are not taken by the national authorities , the specific objective of the convergence facility should be to stimulate research , information and an open social debate about the benefits of introducing the single currency , and the reforms necessary to do that in the specific context of the economic and social development of the member state in question .


### specific objectives should be set for each instrument of the programme . with regard to the reform delivery tool , they should consist of fulfilling concrete milestones and targets set out in relation to the completion of reform commitments , which would trigger the release of the financial incentives . with regard to the technical support instrument , they should be to assist national authorities in their endeavours to design and implement reforms , by taking into account good practices and lessons learned from peers . those objectives should be pursued in all member states under those two instruments and , in the context of the convergence facility , by those member states whose currency is not the euro and which have taken demonstrable steps towards adopting the single currency within a given time - frame . ### member states , in cooperation with the commission , should set out the specific objectives for each instrument of the programme . with regard to the reform delivery tool , they should consist of fulfilling concrete milestones and targets set out in relation to the completion of reform commitments , which would trigger the release of the financial incentives . with regard to the technical support instrument , they should be to assist national authorities in their endeavours to design and implement reforms , by taking into account good practices and lessons learned from peers . those objectives should be pursued in all member states under those two instruments and , in the context of the convergence facility , by those member states whose currency is not the euro and which have taken and are continuing to take demonstrable steps towards adopting the single currency within a given time - frame .


### in order to ensure that the reforms supported by the programme address all the key economic and societal areas , both financial support and technical support under the programme should be provided by the commission , upon request from a member state , in a broad range of policy domains , which include areas related to public financial and asset management , institutional and administrative reform , business environment , the financial sector , markets for products , services and labour , education and training , sustainable development , public health and social welfare . ### in order to ensure that the reforms in the member states supported by the programme address all the key economic and societal areas , both financial support and technical support under the programme should be provided by the commission , upon request from a member state , in a broad range of policy domains , which include areas related to public financial and asset management , institutional and administrative reform , business environment , the financial sector , markets for products , services and labour , education and training , sustainable development and measures to combat climate change , public health and social welfare .


### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the programme ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes . ### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the programme ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed on the basis of joint criteria in the context of the relevant periodical evaluations and review processes .


### it is necessary to establish a process for the submission of proposals for reform commitments by the member states , and the content thereof . with a view to ensuring the expediency of procedures , a member state should submit the proposal for reform commitments together with its national reform programme , but in the form of a separate annex , which may also be submitted at a different point in time . while participation in the programme is voluntary , member states experiencing excessive imbalances should be particularly encouraged to come forward with reform proposals under the reform delivery tool , which address the problems that led to such excessive imbalances . ### it is necessary to establish a clear and straightforward process for the submission of proposals for reform commitments by the member states , and the content thereof . with a view to ensuring the expediency of procedures , a member state should submit the proposal for reform commitments together with its national reform programme , but in the form of a separate annex , which may also be submitted at a different point in time . while participation in the programme is voluntary , member states experiencing excessive imbalances should be particularly encouraged to come forward with reform proposals under the reform delivery tool , which address the problems that led to such excessive imbalances so as to reduce them and achieve the objectives .


### the commission should assess the nature and the importance of the reform commitments proposed by the member states and should determine the amount to be allocated on the basis of transparent criteria . to that effect , it should take into account the substantive elements provided by the member states and assess whether the reform commitments proposed by the member states are expected to effectively address challenges identified in the context of the european semester , whether they represent a comprehensive reform package , whether they are expected to strengthen the performance and resilience of the national economy and whether their implementation is expected to have a lasting impact in the member state where relevant by strengthening the institutional and administrative capacity of the member state concerned . in addition , the commission should assess whether the internal arrangements proposed by the member states , including the proposed milestones and targets , and the related indicators , are expected to ensure effective implementation of the reform commitments during a maximum period of three years . ### the commission should assess the nature and the importance of the reform commitments proposed by the member states and should determine the amount to be allocated on the basis of fair and transparent criteria . to that effect , it should take into account the substantive elements provided by the member states and assess whether the reform commitments proposed by the member states are expected to effectively address challenges identified in the context of the european semester , whether they represent a comprehensive reform package , whether they are expected to strengthen the performance and resilience of the national economy and whether their implementation is expected to have a lasting impact in the member state where relevant by strengthening the institutional and administrative capacity of the member state concerned . in addition , the commission should assess whether the internal arrangements proposed by the member states , including the proposed milestones and targets , and the related indicators , are expected to ensure effective implementation of the reform commitments during a maximum period of three years .


### in order to contribute to the preparation of high quality proposals and assist the commission in the assessment of the proposals for reform commitments submitted by the member states and in the assessment of the degree of their achievement , provision should be made for the use of peer counselling and expert advice . in addition , the council for economic policy committee of the council dealing with the european semester , in consultation , where appropriate , with relevant treaty - based committees , should be able to provide an opinion on the proposals for reform commitments as submitted by member states . in the interest of simplification , the reporting by member states on the progress made in the implementation of reform commitments should be made within the framework of the european semester . ### in order to contribute to the preparation of high quality proposals and assist the commission in the assessment of the proposals for reform commitments submitted by the member states and in the periodic assessment of the degree of their achievement , provision should be made for the use of peer counselling and expert advice for the purpose of avoiding any penalties . in addition , the council for economic policy committee of the council dealing with the european semester , in consultation , where appropriate , with relevant treaty - based committees , should be able to provide an opinion on the proposals for reform commitments as submitted by member states . in the interest of simplification , the reporting by member states on the progress made in the implementation of reform commitments should be made within the framework of the european semester .


### for the purposes of transparency , the reform commitments adopted by the commission should be communicated to the european parliament and the council and communication activities should be carried out by the commission as appropriate . ### for the purposes of transparency , the reform commitments adopted by the commission must be communicated to the european parliament and the council and communication activities should be carried out periodically by the commission as appropriate .


### for the purpose of sound financial management , specific rules should be laid down for budget commitments , payments , suspension , cancellation and recovery of funds . payments should be based on a positive assessment by the commission of the implementation of the reform commitments by the member state . suspension and cancellation of the financial contribution should be possible when the reform commitments have not been implemented in a satisfactory manner by the member state . to ensure a sustainable impact of the reforms after they are implemented , a reasonable period defining the durability of the reforms after the payment of the financial contribution should be established . a period of five years should be considered to be a reasonable minimum to be applied . appropriate contradictory procedures should be established to ensure that the decision by the commission in relation to suspension , cancellation and recovery of amounts paid respects the right of member states to provide observations . ### for the purpose of sound financial management , specific joint rules should be laid down for budget commitments , payments , suspension , cancellation and recovery of funds . payments should be based on a positive assessment by the commission of the implementation of the reform commitments by the member state . suspension and cancellation of the financial contribution should be possible only when the reform commitments have not been implemented in a satisfactory manner by the member state and only after the process has been properly examined . to ensure a sustainable impact of the reforms after they are implemented , a reasonable period defining the durability of the reforms after the payment of the financial contribution should be established . a period of five years should be considered to be a reasonable minimum to be applied . appropriate contradictory procedures should be established to ensure that the decision by the commission in relation to suspension , cancellation and recovery of amounts paid respects the right of member states to provide observations .


### for the purposes of accountability , transparency and to ensure visibility of the union action , subject to certain conditions that protect sensitive information , the cooperation and support plans should be provided to the european parliament and the council and communication activities should be carried out by the commission as appropriate . ### for the purposes of accountability , transparency and to ensure visibility of the union action , subject to certain conditions that protect sensitive information , the cooperation and support plans must be provided to the european parliament and the council and communication activities should be carried out periodically by the commission as appropriate .


### ‘ eligible member state’ , under the convergence facility , means a member state , whose currency is not the euro and which has taken demonstrable steps towards adopting the single currency within a given time - frame , in its preparation to join the euro area . demonstrable steps shall consist of a formal letter from the government of the member state concerned to the commission stating its clear commitment to join the euro area within a reasonable and defined timeframe and presenting a credible time - bound roadmap , after consultation with the commission , for implementing concrete measures to prepare for successful participation in the euro area , including steps to ensure full alignment of its national legislation with the requirements under union law . ### ‘ eligible member state’ , under the convergence facility , means a member state , whose currency is not the euro and which has taken and is taking demonstrable steps towards adopting the single currency within a given time - frame , in its preparation to join the euro area . demonstrable steps shall consist of a formal letter from the government of the member state concerned to the commission stating its clear commitment to join the euro area within a reasonable and defined timeframe and presenting a credible time - bound roadmap , after consultation with the commission , for implementing concrete measures to prepare for successful participation in the euro area , including steps to ensure full alignment of its national legislation with the requirements under union law .


### business environment , including for small and medium - sized enterprises , re - industrialisation , private sector development , product and service markets , investment , public participation in enterprises , privatisation processes , trade and foreign direct investment , competition and public procurement , sustainable sectoral development and support for research and innovation and digitisation ; ### business environment , including for small and medium - sized enterprises , focusing on rural smes for the development of rural areas , making them more competitive and attractive , and re - industrialisation , private sector development and public - private partnerships , product and service markets , investment , public participation in enterprises , privatisation processes , trade and foreign direct investment , competition and public procurement , sustainable sectoral development and support for research and innovation and digitisation ;


### education and training , labour market policies , including social dialogue , for the creation of jobs , digital skills , the fight against poverty , the promotion of social inclusion , social security and social welfare systems , public health and healthcare systems , as well as cohesion , asylum , migration and border policies ; ### education and training , including long - term training to reduce unemployment , labour market policies , including social dialogue , for the creation of jobs , digital skills , the fight against poverty , the promotion of gender equality and social inclusion , social security and social welfare systems , public health and healthcare systems , as well as cohesion , asylum , migration and border policies ;


### policies for implementing climate action , mobility , promoting energy and resource efficiency , renewable energy sources , achieving energy diversification and ensuring energy security , and for the agricultural sector , fisheries and the sustainable development of rural areas ; and ### policies for implementing climate action , programmes to combat climate change , mobility , promoting energy and resource efficiency , renewable energy sources , achieving energy diversification and ensuring energy security , and for the agricultural sector , fisheries and the sustainable development of rural areas ; and


### the financial envelope for the programme may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory , monitoring , control , audit and evaluation activities , which are required for the management of the programme and the achievement of its objectives , in particular studies , meetings of experts , information and communication actions , including corporate communication of the political priorities of the union , in so far as they are related to the objectives of this regulation , expenses linked to it networks focusing on information processing and exchange , including corporate information technology tools , and all other technical and administrative assistance expenses incurred by the commission for the management of the programme . expenses may also cover , under each of the three instruments referred to in article 3 , the costs of other supporting activities such as quality control and monitoring of technical support projects on the ground and the costs of peer counselling and experts for the assessment and implementation of structural reforms . ### the financial envelope for the programme may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory , monitoring , control , audit and evaluation activities , which are required for the management of the programme and the achievement of its objectives , in particular studies , meetings of experts , information and communication actions at not only national but also regional and local level where appropriate , including corporate communication of the political priorities of the union , in so far as they are related to the objectives of this regulation , expenses linked to it networks focusing on information processing and exchange , including corporate information technology tools , and all other technical and administrative assistance expenses incurred by the commission for the management of the programme . expenses may also cover , under each of the three instruments referred to in article 3 , the costs of other supporting activities such as quality control and monitoring of technical support projects on the ground and the costs of peer counselling and experts for the assessment and implementation of structural reforms .


### seminars , conferences and workshops ; ### seminars , conferences and workshops , including exchanges of best practices , when appropriate ;


### studies , research , analyses and surveys , evaluations and impact assessments , and the development and publication of guides , reports and educational material ; ### studies , research , analyses and surveys , evaluations and impact assessments , and the development and publication of guides , reports and educational material and information ;


### articles 2 and 2 of regulation 2016 / 1036 stipulate the basis on which normal value should be determined in the case of imports from non - market economy countries . in view of developments with respect to certain countries that are members of the wto , it is appropriate that , for those countries , normal value should be determined on the basis of paragraphs 1 to 6a of article 2 of regulation 2016 / 1036 , with effect from the date on which this regulation enters into force , and subject to the provisions of this regulation . in the case of countries which are , at the date of initiation , not members of the wto and listed in annex i of regulation 2015 / 7552 , norma1 value should be determined on the basis of paragraph 7 of article 2 of regulation 2016 / 1036 , as amended by this regulation . this regulation should be without prejudice to establishing whether or not any wto member is a market economy . _________________ 2 regulation 2015 / 755 of the european parliament and of the council of 29 april 2015 on common rules for imports from certain third countries . ### in view of developments with respect to certain countries that are members of the wto , it is appropriate that , for those countries , normal value should be determined on the basis of paragraphs 1 to 6a of article 2 of regulation 2016 / 1036 , with effect from the date on which this regulation enters into force , and subject to the provisions of this regulation . in the case of countries which are , at the date of initiation , not members of the wto or members of wto but not market economies and listed in annex i of regulation 2015 / 7552 , norma1 value should be determined on the basis of paragraph 7 of article 2 of regulation 2016 / 1036 , as amended by this regulation in order to establish a level playing field with the eu market . _________________ 2 regulation 2015 / 755 of the european parliament and of the council of 29 april 2015 on common rules for imports from certain third countries .


### in the light of experience gained in past proceedings , it is appropriate to clarify the circumstances in which significant distortions affecting to a considerable extent free market forces may be deemed to exist . in particular , it is appropriate to clarify that this situation may be deemed to exist , inter alia , when reported prices or costs , including the costs of raw materials , are not the result of free market forces because they are affected by government intervention . it is further appropriate to clarify that in considering whether or not such a situation exists regard may be had , inter alia , to the potential impact of the following : the market in question is to a significant extent served by enterprises which operate under the ownership , control or policy supervision or guidance of the authorities of the exporting country ; state presence in firms allowing the state to interfere with respect to prices or costs ; public policies or measures discriminating in favour of domestic suppliers or otherwise influencing free market forces ; and access to finance granted by institutions implementing public policy objectives . it is further appropriate to provide that the commission services may issue a report describing the specific situation concerning these criteria in a certain country or a certain sector ; that such report and the evidence on which it is based may be placed on the file of any investigation relating to that country or sector ; and that interested parties should have ample opportunity to comment on the report and the evidence on which it is based in each investigation in which such report or evidence is used . ### in the light of experience gained in past proceedings , it is appropriate to clarify the circumstances in which significant distortions affecting to a considerable extent free market forces may be deemed to exist . in particular , it is appropriate to clarify that this situation may be deemed to exist , inter alia , when reported prices or costs , including the costs of raw materials , are not the result of free market forces because they are affected by government intervention . it is further appropriate to clarify that in considering whether or not such a situation exists regard may be had , inter alia , to the potential impact of the following : the market in question is to a significant extent served by enterprises which operate under the ownership , control or policy supervision or guidance of the authorities of the exporting country ; state presence in firms allowing the state to interfere with respect to prices or costs ; public policies or measures discriminating in favour of domestic suppliers or otherwise influencing free market forces ; access to finance granted by institutions implementing public policy objectives ; and social and environmental dumping . it is further necessary to provide that the commission services must issue a report describing the specific situation concerning these criteria in a certain country or a certain sector ; that such report and the evidence on which it is based may be placed on the file of any investigation relating to that country or sector ; and that interested parties should have ample opportunity to comment on the report and the evidence on which it is based in each investigation in which such report or evidence is used . the report must be based on clear criteria regarding its timing , the reason for issuing it , its substantive content and regular reviews . the commission should in addition publish guidelines containing clear instructions to businesses and trade unions concerning methods and procedures .


### in case it is determined , when applying this provision or any other relevant provision of this regulation , that it is not appropriate to use domestic prices and costs in the exporting country due to the existence of significant distortions , the normal value shall be constructed on the basis of costs of production and sale reflecting undistorted prices or benchmarks . for this purpose , the sources that may be used include undistorted international prices , costs , or benchmarks , or corresponding costs of production and sale in an appropriate representative country with a similar level of economic development as the exporting country , provided the relevant cost data are readily available . the constructed normal value shall include a reasonable amount for administrative , selling and general costs and for profits . ### in case it is determined , when applying this provision or any other relevant provision of this regulation , that it is not appropriate to use domestic prices and costs in the exporting country due to the existence of significant distortions , the normal value shall be constructed on the basis of costs of production and sale reflecting undistorted prices or benchmarks . for this purpose , the sources that may be used include undistorted international prices , costs , or benchmarks , or corresponding costs of production and sale in an appropriate representative country with a similar level of economic development as the exporting country , provided the relevant cost data are readily available . indirect environmental costs such as co2 emissions shall be taken into account and estimated as a rate of the total cost for the same amount in europe ; in case of no cooperation from the exporting country , the maximal cost will be applied . the constructed normal value shall include a reasonable amount for administrative , selling and general costs and for profits .


### significant distortions for the product concerned within the meaning of point may be deemed to exist , inter alia , when reported prices or costs , including the costs of raw materials , are not the result of free market forces as they are affected by government intervention . in considering whether or not significant distortions exist regard may be had , inter alia , to the potential impact of the following : the market in question is to a significant extent served by enterprises which operate under the ownership , control or policy supervision or guidance of the authorities of the exporting country ; state presence in firms allowing the state to interfere with respect to prices or costs ; public policies or measures discriminating in favour of domestic suppliers or otherwise influencing free market forces ; and access to finance granted by institutions implementing public policy objectives . ### significant distortions for the product concerned within the meaning of point may be deemed to exist , inter alia , when reported prices or costs , including the costs of raw materials and energy , are not the result of free market forces as they are affected by government intervention or as they are the result of social and environmental dumping . in considering whether or not significant distortions exist regard may be had , inter alia , to the potential impact of the following : the market in question is to a significant extent served by enterprises which operate under the ownership , decision , control or policy supervision or guidance of the authorities of the exporting country ; state presence in firms allowing the state to interfere with respect to prices or costs ; market share beyond 40% of the sector world market is held by the industry of the exporting country which could be a sign of abuse of a dominant position ; public policies or measures discriminating in favour of domestic suppliers or otherwise influencing free market forces ; access to finance granted by institutions implementing public policy objectives ; distortion in the operation of the privatised economy ; lack of implementation of company law with adequate corporate governance rules ; lack of effective legal framework for the conduct of business and non - proper functioning of a free - market economy including intellectual property rights or bankruptcy laws ; lack of existence of a genuine financial sector by devaluation of the national currency and low social and environmental standards leading to unfair competition .


### when appropriate , the commission services may issue a report describing the specific situation concerning the criteria listed in point in a certain country or a certain sector . such report and the evidence on which it is based may be placed on the file of any investigation relating to that country or sector . interested parties shall have ample opportunity to supplement , comment or rely on the report and the evidence on which it is based in each investigation in which such report or evidence is used . the determinations made shall take into account all of the relevant evidence on the file . ### when appropriate , the commission services may issue a report describing the specific situation concerning the criteria listed in point in a certain country or a certain sector . such report may also be requested from the commission by the european parliament , member states and european companies . it shall follow a set of criteria that shall be determined by the commission following a stakeholder meeting with interested parties and under consultation with the european parliament . further , such report and the evidence on which it is based may be placed on the file of any investigation relating to that country or sector . that report shall also include data on lack of respect for internationally - recognised standards on taxation and the environment that may unduly reduce the cost of production or increase product prices , as well as other unjustified low tax arrangements or environmental or labour costs . interested parties shall have ample opportunity to supplement , comment or rely on the report and the evidence on which it is based in each investigation in which such report or evidence is used . the determinations made shall take into account all of the relevant evidence on the file .


### when appropriate , the commission services may issue a report describing the specific situation concerning the criteria listed in point in a certain country or a certain sector . such report and the evidence on which it is based may be placed on the file of any investigation relating to that country or sector . interested parties shall have ample opportunity to supplement , comment or rely on the report and the evidence on which it is based in each investigation in which such report or evidence is used . the determinations made shall take into account all of the relevant evidence on the file . ### when appropriate or at the request of a sector of industry or a trade union , the commission services must issue a report describing the specific situation concerning at least the criteria listed in point , whose application is compulsory , in a certain country or a certain sector . the european parliament must be informed of this . such report and the evidence on which it is based may be placed on the file of any investigation relating to that country or sector . interested parties shall have ample opportunity to supplement , comment or rely on the report and the evidence on which it is based in each investigation in which such report or evidence is used . the determinations made shall take into account all of the relevant evidence on the file . the report must be updated annually .


### in march 2018 , the commission published its action plan ' financing sustainable growth ' 25 setting up an ambitious and comprehensive strategy on sustainable finance . one of the objectives set out in that action plan is to reorient capital flows towards sustainable investment in order to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth . the establishment of a unified classification system for sustainable activities is the most important and urgent action envisaged by the action plan . the action plan recognises that the shift of capital flows towards more sustainable activities has to be underpinned by a shared understanding of what ' sustainable ' means . as a first step , clear guidance on activities qualifying as contributing to environmental objectives , should help inform investors about the investments that fund environmentally sustainable economic activities . further guidance on the activities contributing to other sustainability objectives , including social objectives , may be developed at a later stage . _________________ 25 com 97 final . ### in march 2018 , the commission published its action plan ' financing sustainable growth ' 25 setting up an ambitious and comprehensive strategy on sustainable finance . one of the objectives set out in that action plan is to reorient capital flows towards sustainable investment in order to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth . the establishment of a unified classification system for sustainable activities and of indicators for identifying the degree of sustainability of activities are the most important and urgent action envisaged by the action plan . the action plan recognises that the shift of capital flows towards more sustainable activities has to be underpinned by a shared , holistic understanding of the impact of economic activities and investments in terms of sustainability . as a first step , clear guidance on activities qualifying as contributing to environmental objectives , should help inform investors about the investments that fund environmentally sustainable economic activities . in parallel , further guidance on the activities contributing to social objectives , are developed , recognising that the un sustainable development goals cover all three pillars of sustainability : environmental , social and economic / governance . this also reflects the european council conclusions of 20 june 2017 that confirmed the commitment of the union and the member states to the implementation of the 2030 agenda in full , coherent , comprehensive , integrated and effective manner . _________________ 25 com 97 final .


### in march 2018 , the commission published its action plan ' financing sustainable growth ' 25 setting up an ambitious and comprehensive strategy on sustainable finance . one of the objectives set out in that action plan is to reorient capital flows towards sustainable investment in order to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth . the establishment of a unified classification system for sustainable activities is the most important and urgent action envisaged by the action plan . the action plan recognises that the shift of capital flows towards more sustainable activities has to be underpinned by a shared understanding of what ' sustainable ' means . as a first step , clear guidance on activities qualifying as contributing to environmental objectives , should help inform investors about the investments that fund environmentally sustainable economic activities . further guidance on the activities contributing to other sustainability objectives , including social objectives , may be developed at a later stage . _________________ 25 com 97 final . ### in march 2018 , the commission published its action plan ' financing sustainable growth ' 25 setting up an ambitious and comprehensive strategy on sustainable finance . one of the objectives set out in that action plan is to reorient capital flows towards sustainable investment in order to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth . the establishment of a unified classification system and of indicators for identifying sustainable activities are the most important and urgent actions envisaged by the action plan . the action plan recognises that the shift of capital flows towards more sustainable activities has to be underpinned by a shared , holistic understanding of economic activities and investments on environmental and social sustainability and resource efficiency . as a first step , clear guidance on activities qualifying as contributing to environmental objectives , should help inform investors about the investments that sustainable economic activities . further guidance on the activities contributing to other sustainability objectives , including social objectives , may be developed at a later stage . _________________ 25 com 97 final .


### to avoid market fragmentation as well as harm to consumer interests due to divergent notions of environmentally sustainable economic activities , national requirements that market actors should comply with when they wish to market financial products or corporate bonds as being environmentally sustainable , should build on the uniform criteria for environmentally sustainable economic activities . those market actors include financial market participants offering “green” financial products and non - financial companies issuing “green” corporate bonds . ### to avoid market fragmentation as well as harm to consumer interests due to divergent notions of the environmentally sustainable of economic activities , national requirements that market actors should comply with when they wish to market financial products or corporate bonds as defined in this regulation being environmentally sustainable , should build on the uniform criteria for environmentally sustainable economic activities . those market actors include financial market participants offering sustainable financial products or services and non - financial companies issuing sustainable corporate bonds .


### some economic activities have a negative impact on the environment , and a substantial contribution to one or more environmental objectives can be achieved by reducing that negative impact . for those economic activities , it is appropriate to set out technical screening criteria that require a substantial improvement in environmental performance compared to , inter alia , the industry average . those criteria should consider also the long term impact of a specific economic activity . ### some economic activities have a negative impact on the environment , and a substantial contribution to one or more environmental objectives can be achieved by reducing that negative impact . for those economic activities , it is appropriate to set out technical screening criteria that require an improvement in environmental performance compared to , inter alia , the industry average . those criteria should consider also the long term impact of a specific economic activity .


### an economic activity should not be considered environmentally sustainable if it causes more harm to the environment than the benefits it brings . the technical screening criteria should identify the minimum requirements necessary to avoid a significant harm to other objectives . when establishing and updating the technical screening criteria , the commission should ensure that those criteria are based on available scientific evidence and are updated regularly . where scientific evaluation does not allow for the risk to be determined with sufficient certainty , the precautionary principle should apply , in line with article 191 tfeu . ### an economic activity should not be considered environmentally sustainable if it does not bring about a net benefit to the environment . the technical screening criteria should identify the minimum requirements necessary to avoid a significant harm to other objectives . when establishing and updating the technical screening criteria , the commission should ensure that those criteria are based on available scientific evidence and are updated regularly . where scientific evaluation does not allow for the risk to be determined with sufficient certainty , the precautionary principle should apply , in line with article 191 tfeu .


### to avoid distorting competition when raising financing for environmentally sustainable economic activities , the technical screening criteria should ensure that all relevant economic activities within a specific sector can qualify as environmentally sustainable and are treated equally if they contribute equally towards one or more of the environmental objectives laid out in this regulation . the potential capacity to contribute towards those environmental objectives may however vary across sectors , which should be reflected in the criteria . however , within each sector , those criteria should not unfairly disadvantage certain economic activities over others if the former contribute towards the environmental objectives to the same extent as the latter . ### to avoid distorting competition when raising financing for environmentally sustainable economic activities , the technical screening criteria should ensure that all relevant economic activities within a specific sector can qualify as environmentally sustainable and are treated equally if they contribute equally towards one or more of the environmental objectives laid out in this regulation . the potential capacity to contribute towards those environmental objectives may however vary across sectors , which should be reflected in the criteria . however , within each sector , those criteria should be applied to all market participants equally , certain economic activities over others if the former contribute towards the environmental objectives to the same extent as the latter .


### it is of particular importance that the commission when preparing the development of the technical screening criteria , carry out appropriate consultations in line with better regulation requirements . the process for the establishment and the update of the technical screening criteria should also involve relevant stakeholders and build on the advice of experts with proven knowledge and experience in the relevant areas . for that purpose , the commission should set up a platform on sustainable finance . this platform should be composed of experts representing both the public and the private sector . public sector representatives should include experts from the european environmental agency , the european supervisory authorities and the european investment bank . private sector experts should include representatives of relevant stakeholders , including financial market actors , universities , research institutes , associations and organisations . the platform should advise the commission on the development , analysis and review of technical screening criteria , including their potential impact on the valuation of assets that until the adoption of the technical screening criteria were considered as green assets under existing market practices . the platform should also advise the commission on whether the technical screening criteria are suitable for further uses in future union policy initiatives aimed at facilitating sustainable investment . ### it is of particular importance that the commission when preparing the development of the technical screening criteria , carry out appropriate consultations in line with better regulation requirements . the process for the establishment and the update of the technical screening criteria and the harmonised indicators should also involve relevant stakeholders and build on the advice of experts with proven knowledge and experience in the relevant areas . for that purpose , the commission should set up a platform on sustainable finance . this platform should be composed of experts representing both the public and the private sector . public sector representatives should include experts from the european environmental agency , the european supervisory authorities and the european investment bank . private sector experts should include representatives of relevant stakeholders , including financial market actors , manufacturing industries , universities , research institutes , associations and organisations . the platform should advise the commission on the development , analysis and review of technical screening criteria , including their potential impact on the valuation of assets that until the adoption of the technical screening criteria were considered as green assets under existing market practices . the platform should also advise the commission on whether the technical screening criteria are suitable for further uses in future union policy initiatives aimed at facilitating sustainable investment .


### the direct or indirect introduction , as a result of human activity , of substances , vibrations , heat , noise or other pollutants into air , water or land which may be harmful to human health or the quality of the environment , may result in damage to material property , or may impair or interfere with amenities and other legitimate uses of the environment ; ### the direct or indirect introduction , as a result of human activity , of substances , vibrations , heat , noise , light or other pollutants into air , water or land which may be harmful to human health or the quality of the environment , may result in damage to material property , or may impair or interfere with amenities and other legitimate uses of the environment ;


### for the purposes of establishing the degree of environmental sustainability of an investment , an economic activity shall be environmentally sustainable where that activity complies with all of the following criteria : ### for the purposes of establishing the degree of environmental or social sustainability of an investment , an economic activity shall be environmentally and socially sustainable where that activity complies with all of the following criteria :


### the economic activity does not significantly harm any of the environmental objectives set out in article 5 in accordance with article 12 ; ### the economic activity does not or will not significantly harm any of the environmental objectives set out in article 5 in accordance with article 12 , nor the socially sustainable objective set out in article 11a ;


### the economic activity does not significantly harm any of the environmental objectives set out in article 5 in accordance with article 12 ; ### the economic activity does not significantly harm any of the environmental and social objectives set out in article 5 in accordance with article 12 ;


### the economic activity complies with technical screening criteria , where the commission has specified those in accordance with articles 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 and 11 . ### the economic activity complies with technical screening criteria , where the commission has specified those , basing them on harmonised indicators , in accordance with articles 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 and 11a .


### member states shall apply the criteria for determining environmentally sustainable economic activities set out in article 3 for the purposes of any measures setting out requirements on market actors in respect of financial products or corporate bonds that are marketed as ' environmentally sustainable ' . ### member states shall apply the criteria for determining environmentally and socially sustainable economic activities set out in article 3 for the purposes of any measures setting out requirements on market actors in respect of financial products or corporate bonds .


### member states shall apply the criteria for determining environmentally sustainable economic activities set out in article 3 for the purposes of any measures setting out requirements on market actors in respect of financial products or corporate bonds that are marketed as ' environmentally sustainable ' . ### member states shall apply the criteria for determining environmentally&#160 ; and socially sustainable economic activities set out in article 3 for the purposes of any measures setting out sustainability&#160 ; requirements on market actors in respect of financial products or corporate bonds .


### transition to a circular economy , waste prevention and recycling ; ### transition to a circular economy , including waste prevention and boosting the uptake of secondary raw materials ;


### generating , storing or using renewable energy or climate - neutral energy , including through using innovative technology with a potential for significant future savings or through necessary reinforcement of the grid ; ### generating , storing or using renewable energy or climate - neutral energy in line with the renewable energy directive , including through using innovative technology with a potential for significant future savings or through necessary reinforcement of the grid ;


### switching to use of renewable materials ; ### switching to or increasing the use of renewable materials substituting especially fossile based materials ;


### an economic activity shall be considered to be contributing substantially to sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources where that activity substantially contributes to the good status of waters , including freshwater , transitional waters and coastal waters , or to the good environmental status of marine waters , through any of the following means : ### an economic activity shall be considered to be contributing substantially to sustainable use and protection of water bodies and marine waters where that activity substantially contributes to the good status of waters , including inland surface waters , estuaries and coastal waters , or to the good environmental status of marine waters , where that activity takes all possible measures to restore , protect or maintain the biological diversity , productivity , resilience , value and the overall health of marine ecosystem , as well of the livelihoods of communities dependent upon them , through any of the following means :


### improving water efficiency , facilitating water reuse , or any other activity that protects or improves quality of union’s water bodies in accordance with directive 2000 / 60 / ec ; ### improving water management and efficiency , facilitating water reuse , systems of rainwater management or any other activity that protects or improves quality and quantity of union’s water bodies in accordance with directive 2000 / 60 / ec ;


### an economic activity shall be considered to contribute substantially to the transition to a circular economy and waste prevention and recycling where that activity contributes substantially to that environmental objective through any of the following means : ### an economic activity shall be considered to contribute substantially to the transition to a circular economy , including waste prevention and boosting the uptake of secondary raw materials , where that activity promotes cascading use of material and contributes substantially to that environmental objective through any of the following means :


### improving the efficient use of raw materials in production , including through reducing the use of primary raw materials and increasing the use of by - products and waste ; ### promoting innovative production , business and consumption models directed at improving the efficient use of raw materials , including through reducing the use of primary raw materials and increasing the use of by - products and secondary raw materials , thus supporting end of waste operations ;


### increasing the durability , reparability , upgradability or reusability of products ; ### encouraging the design , manufacturing and increasing the use of products that are resource - efficient , durable , repairable , re - usable and upgradable ;


### reducing waste generation ; ### reducing municipal waste generation and waste generation in processes related to industrial production , extraction of minerals , manufacturing , construction and demolition , taking into account best available techniques ;


### using natural energy resources efficiently . ### using natural energy resources efficiently according to the cascading use of resources ;


### an economic activity shall be considered to contribute substantially to pollution prevention and control where that activity contributes to a high level of environmental protection from pollution through any of the following means : ### an economic activity shall be considered to contribute substantially to pollution prevention and control where that activity contributes substantially to environmental protection from pollution through any of the following means :


### the minimum safeguards referred to in article 3 shall be procedures implemented by the undertaking that is carrying out an economic activity to ensure that the principles and rights set out in the eight fundamental conventions identified in the international labour organisation’s declaration on fundamental rights and principles at work , namely : the right not to be subjected to forced labour , the freedom of association , workers ' right to organise , the right to collective bargaining , equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value , non - discrimination in opportunity and treatment with respect to employment and occupation , as well as the right not to be subjected to child labour , are observed . ### the minimum safeguards referred to in article 3 shall be procedures implemented by the undertaking that is carrying out an economic activity , to ensure at least the following :


### the technical screening criteria adopted in accordance with articles 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 and 11 shall : ### the technical screening criteria adopted in accordance with articles 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 and 11a shall :


### identify the most relevant potential contributions to the given environmental objective , considering not only the short - term but also the longer term impacts of a specific economic activity ; ### identify the most relevant potential contributions to the given environmental or social objective , considering not only the short - term but also the longer term impacts of a specific economic activity ;


### a delegated act adopted pursuant to articles 4 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 and 11 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council . ### a delegated act adopted pursuant to articles 4 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 and 11a shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council .


### the progress on the implementation of this regulation with regard to the development of technical screening criteria for environmentally sustainable economic activities ; ### the progress on the implementation of this regulation with regard to the development of technical screening criteria for environmentally and socially sustainable economic activities ;


### the use of the definition of environmentally sustainable investment in union law , and at member state level , including the appropriateness of setting up verification mechanism of compliance with the criteria set out in this regulation . ### the use of the definition of environmentally sustainable investment in union law , and at member state level , including the appropriateness of setting up verification mechanism of compliance with the criteria set out in this regulation or setting up a union classification of environmentally sustainable economic activities and investments .


### the use of the definition of environmentally sustainable investment in union law , and at member state level , including the appropriateness of setting up verification mechanism of compliance with the criteria set out in this regulation . ### the use of the definition of environmentally or socially sustainable investment in union law , and at member state level , including the appropriateness of setting up verification mechanism of compliance with the criteria set out in this regulation .


### public - public partnerships should aim to develop closer synergies , increase coordination and avoid unnecessary duplication with union , international , national and regional research programmes , and should fully respect the horizon 2020 general principles , in particular those relating to openness and transparency . ### public - public partnerships must aim to develop closer synergies , increase coordination and avoid unnecessary duplication with union , international , national and regional research programmes , and should fully respect the horizon 2020 general principles , in particular those relating to openness and transparency .


### prima aims at implementing a joint programme for the development and the adoption of innovative and integrated solutions for improving the efficiency , safety , security and sustainability of food production and water provision in the mediterranean area . prima should contribute to the achievement of the recently agreed sustainable development goals and to the forthcoming european sustainable development strategy . ### prima aims at implementing a joint programme for the development and the adoption of innovative and integrated solutions for improving the efficiency , safety , security and sustainability of food production and water provision in the mediterranean area . prima should contribute to the achievement of the recently agreed sustainable development goals and to the forthcoming european sustainable development strategy , as well as to contribute to the goals of the paris agreement .


### prima aims at implementing a joint programme for the development and the adoption of innovative and integrated solutions for improving the efficiency , safety , security and sustainability of food production and water provision in the mediterranean area . prima should contribute to the achievement of the recently - agreed sustainable development goals and to the forthcoming european sustainable development strategy . ### prima aims at implementing a joint programme for the development and the adoption of innovative and integrated solutions for improving the efficiency , safety , security and sustainability of food production and water provision in the mediterranean area . prima must contribute to the achievement of the recently - agreed sustainable development goals and to the forthcoming european sustainable development strategy .


### in line with the objectives of horizon 2020 , any other member state and third country associated to horizon 2020 should be entitled to participate in prima if it commits to contribute to the financing of prima . ### in line with the objectives of horizon 2020 , any other member state and third country associated to horizon 2020 should be entitled to participate in prima if it commits to contribute to the financing of prima with an adequate percentage of the total effort .


### prima activities should be in line with the objectives and research and innovation priorities of horizon 2020 and with the general principles and conditions laid down in article 26 of regulation no 1291 / 2013 . prima should take into account the oecd definitions regarding technological readiness level in the classification of technological research , product development and demonstration activities . ### prima activities should be in line with the objectives and research and innovation priorities of horizon 2020 and with the general principles and conditions laid down in article 26 of regulation no 1291 / 2013 . prima should take into account the oecd definitions regarding technological readiness level in the classification of technological research , product development and demonstration activities , as well as addressing low to high technology readiness levels , including forms of ‘ curiosity - driven’ and ‘ practice - based’ research .


### calls for proposals managed by the prima - is should also be published on the single portal for participants , as well as through other horizon 2020 electronic means of dissemination managed by the commission . ### calls for proposals managed by the prima - is should also be published on the single portal for participants in the prima - is , as well as through other horizon 2020 electronic means of dissemination managed by the commission .


### upon request from the commission , the prima - is and the participating states should submit any information the commission needs to include in the reports on the evaluation of prima . ### upon request from the commission , the prima - is and the participating states should submit any information the commission needs to include in the reports on the evaluation of prima . at the same time , such information should be transferred to the competent committees of the parliament .