### 1. acknowledges the actions taken in the transport sector to reduce specific emissions and stresses the need to strengthen support for research on and innovation in zero-emissions mobility solutions; ### 1. acknowledges the actions taken in the transport sector to reduce specific emissions and stresses the need to strengthen support of all member states for research on and innovation in zero-emissions mobility solutions so as to ensure a just transition to climate neutrality at the same time with the economic strengthening of the single market;


### 1. acknowledges the actions taken in the transport sector to reduce specific emissions and stresses the need to strengthen support for research on and innovation in zero-emissions mobility solutions; ### 1. stresses that further actions need to be taken in the transport sector to reduce specific emissions to reach climate neutrality by 2050 , stresses the need to strengthen legislation and support for research on and innovation in zero-emissions mobility solutions;


### 1. underlines that erasmus+ , the european solidarity corps and creative europe , as the eu’s main education , volunteering and culture programmes , play a key role in fostering education in the skills needed for the green transition , raising awareness of environmental issues , volunteering to protect the environment , and developing creative , inclusive and accessible solutions to tackle environmental challenges; ### 1. underlines that erasmus+ , the european solidarity corps and creative europe , as the eu’s main education , volunteering and culture programmes , play a key role in fostering education in the skills needed for the green transition , raising awareness of environmental issues , volunteering to protect the environment , and developing creative , inclusive and accessible solutions to tackle environmental challenges; stresses that education represents an essential tool in the global response to climate change helping young people understand the effects of global warming and providing them with the necessary information to tackle climate change and participate at the efforts to reach the eu sustainable development goals;


### 1. welcomes the commission communication on the sustainable europe investment plan (com(2020)0021) , which aims to enable a just and well-managed transition towards a resilient and sustainable society; emphasises that it is imperative that the eu achieve the revised 2030 and 2050 climate and biodiversity goals and reach its commitments under the paris agreement , based on the best available science; ### 1. welcomes the commission communication on the sustainable europe investment plan (com(2020)0021) , which aims to enable a just and well-managed transition towards a resilient and sustainable society; emphasises that it is imperative that the eu achieve the revised 2030 and 2050 climate and biodiversity goals and reach its commitments under the paris agreement , the eu’s new biodiversity strategy and the post-2020 biodiversity agreement that will be adopted at the cop15 of the convention on biological diversity (cbd) next year , based on the best available science;


### 1. welcomes the sustainable europe investment plan (seip) as central in ensuring the success of the green deal and the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient economy; ### 1. welcomes the sustainable europe investment plan (seip) as central in ensuring the success of the green deal , driving the long term competitiveness of the eu and the transition towards a more just , sustainable and resilient economy; underlines that the plan should take account of the experiences of previous programmes (the ‘juncker plan’) and place a special emphasis on truly additional investments of european added value; calls for coordinated actions to tackle the investment gap across the eu; believes that creating a net employment effect with new high quality jobs , reducing inequalities and contributing to the goals of the european pillar of social rights should be overall goals of the climate transition and the seip;


### 1. welcomes the sustainable europe investment plan (seip) as central in ensuring the success of the green deal and the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient economy; ### 1. welcomes the sustainable europe investment plan (seip) as central in ensuring the success of the green deal and the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient economy; emphasizes that the seip should go hand in hand with other main socio-economic long-term goals and priorities of the eu; stresses that the seip must be built on the lessons learned from the socio-economic crisis related to the covid-19 crisis in order to facilitate the development of a more inclusive and stronger economy in the years to come;


### 2. points out that under the investment plan , funding can be dedicated to thematic projects in the fields of education , volunteering and culture; calls on the commission to step up the synergies between the green deal and erasmus+ , the european solidarity corps and creative europe in order to complement and cross-fertilise their specific methods of tackling environmental issues; ### 2. points out that under the investment plan , funding can be dedicated to thematic projects in the fields of education , volunteering and culture; calls on the commission to step up the synergies between the green deal and erasmus+ , the european solidarity corps and creative europe in order to complement and cross-fertilise their specific methods of tackling environmental issues; calls on the european commission to supervise , help and stimulate member states in introducing the environmental objectives in these programmes also by introducing additional transition funds in order to achieve a balanced result at eu level;


### 4. is concerned about the situation resulting from the covid-19 crisis , especially that of the most vulnerable individuals and sectors and that of minorities , who face an even more precarious situation than before the crisis; calls on the commission to take all necessary measures to adapt the proposal for the green deal investment plan to develop an approach coordinated with emergency measures , such as the coronavirus response investment initiative and the proposed sure scheme , and recovery instruments , and requests that investment in the fields of culture , education , youth and sport be considered strategic in order to foster the green transition promoted through the green deal. ### 4. is concerned about the situation resulting from the covid-19 crisis , especially the impact it had on the most vulnerable individuals and sectors and on minorities , who face an even more precarious situation than before the crisis; stresses the need for particular actions and measures designed to address the access of vulnerable groups to the eu programmes; specific measure through the eu programmes should be considered for the regions mostly affected by the green transition; calls on the commission to take all necessary measures to adapt the proposal for the green deal investment plan to develop an approach coordinated with emergency measures , such as the coronavirus response investment initiative and the proposed sure scheme , and recovery instruments , and requests that investment in the fields of culture , education , youth and sport be considered strategic in order to foster the green transition promoted through the green deal;


### (1) the covid-19 pandemic is a major shock to the global and union economy. due to the necessary containment measures , economic activity in the eu dropped significantly. the contraction in eu gdp in 2020 is expected to be around 7.5% , far deeper than during the financial crisis in 2009. the outbreak of the pandemic has shown the interconnectivity of global supply chains and exposed some vulnerabilities such as the over-reliance of strategic industries on non-diversified external supply sources. such vulnerabilities need to be addressed , to improve the union’s emergency response as well as the resilience of the entire economy , while maintaining its openness to competition and trade in line with its rules. investment activity is expected to have dropped significantly. even before the pandemic , while a recovery in investment-to-gdp ratios in the union could be observed , it remained below what might be expected in a strong recovery and was insufficient to compensate for years of underinvestment following the 2009 crisis. more importantly , the current investment levels and forecasts do not cover the union’s needs for structural investment to restart and sustain long-term growth in the face of technological change and global competitiveness , including for innovation , skills , infrastructure , small and medium-sized enterprises (smes) and the need to address key societal challenges such as sustainability or population ageing. consequently , in order to achieve the union's policy objectives and to support a swift , inclusive and healthy economic recovery , support is necessary to address market failures and sub-optimal investment situations and to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors. ### (1) the covid-19 pandemic is a major shock to the global and union economy. due to the necessary containment measures , economic activity in the eu dropped significantly. the contraction in eu gdp in 2020 is expected to be around 7.5% , far deeper than during the financial crisis in 2009. the outbreak of the pandemic has shown the importance of interconnectivity of global supply chains and exposed some vulnerabilities such as the over-reliance of strategic industries on non-diversified external supply sources. such vulnerabilities need to be addressed , to improve the union’s emergency response as well as the resilience of the entire economy , while maintaining its openness to competition and trade in line with its rules. investment activity is expected to have dropped significantly. even before the pandemic , while a recovery in investment-to-gdp ratios in the union could be observed , it remained below what might be expected in a strong recovery and was insufficient to compensate for years of underinvestment following the 2009 crisis. more importantly , the current investment levels and forecasts do not cover the union’s needs for structural investment to restart and sustain long-term growth in the face of technological change and global competitiveness , including for innovation , skills , infrastructure , small and medium-sized enterprises (smes) and the need to address key societal challenges such as sustainability or population ageing. consequently , in order to achieve the union's policy objectives and to support a swift , inclusive and healthy economic recovery , support is necessary to address market failures and sub-optimal investment situations and to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors.


### (1) the covid-19 pandemic is a major shock to the global and union economy. due to the necessary containment measures , economic activity in the eu dropped significantly. the contraction in eu gdp in 2020 is expected to be around 7.5% , far deeper than during the financial crisis in 2009. the outbreak of the pandemic has shown the interconnectivity of global supply chains and exposed some vulnerabilities such as the over-reliance of strategic industries on non-diversified external supply sources. such vulnerabilities need to be addressed , to improve the union’s emergency response as well as the resilience of the entire economy , while maintaining its openness to competition and trade in line with its rules. investment activity is expected to have dropped significantly. even before the pandemic , while a recovery in investment-to-gdp ratios in the union could be observed , it remained below what might be expected in a strong recovery and was insufficient to compensate for years of underinvestment following the 2009 crisis. more importantly , the current investment levels and forecasts do not cover the union’s needs for structural investment to restart and sustain long-term growth in the face of technological change and global competitiveness , including for innovation , skills , infrastructure , small and medium-sized enterprises (smes) and the need to address key societal challenges such as sustainability or population ageing. consequently , in order to achieve the union's policy objectives and to support a swift , inclusive and healthy economic recovery , support is necessary to address market failures and sub-optimal investment situations and to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors. ### (1) the covid-19 pandemic is a major shock to the global and union economy. due to the necessary containment measures , economic activity in the eu dropped significantly. the contraction in eu gdp in 2020 is expected to be around 7.5% , far deeper than during the financial crisis in 2009. the outbreak of the pandemic has shown the interconnectivity of global supply chains and exposed some vulnerabilities such as the over-reliance of strategic industries on non-diversified external supply sources. such vulnerabilities need to be addressed , to improve the union’s emergency response as well as the resilience of the entire economy , while maintaining its openness to competition and trade in line with its rules. investment activity is expected to have dropped significantly. even before the pandemic , while a recovery in investment-to-gdp ratios in the union could be observed , it remained below what might be expected in a strong recovery and was insufficient to compensate for years of underinvestment following the 2009 crisis. more importantly , the current investment levels and forecasts do not cover the union’s needs for structural investment to restart and sustain long-term growth in the face of technological change and global competitiveness , including for innovation , skills , infrastructure , small and medium-sized enterprises (smes) and the need to address key societal and environmental challenges such as sustainability , the impacts of climate change or population ageing. consequently , in order to achieve the union's policy objectives and to support a swift , just , inclusive , sustainable and healthy economic recovery , support is necessary to address market failures and sub-optimal investment situations and to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors.


### (1) the covid-19 pandemic is a major shock to the global and union economy. due to the necessary containment measures , economic activity in the eu dropped significantly. the contraction in eu gdp in 2020 is expected to be around 7.5% , far deeper than during the financial crisis in 2009. the outbreak of the pandemic has shown the interconnectivity of global supply chains and exposed some vulnerabilities such as the over-reliance of strategic industries on non-diversified external supply sources. such vulnerabilities need to be addressed , to improve the union’s emergency response as well as the resilience of the entire economy , while maintaining its openness to competition and trade in line with its rules. investment activity is expected to have dropped significantly. even before the pandemic , while a recovery in investment-to-gdp ratios in the union could be observed , it remained below what might be expected in a strong recovery and was insufficient to compensate for years of underinvestment following the 2009 crisis. more importantly , the current investment levels and forecasts do not cover the union’s needs for structural investment to restart and sustain long-term growth in the face of technological change and global competitiveness , including for innovation , skills , infrastructure , small and medium-sized enterprises (smes) and the need to address key societal challenges such as sustainability or population ageing. consequently , in order to achieve the union's policy objectives and to support a swift , inclusive and healthy economic recovery , support is necessary to address market failures and sub-optimal investment situations and to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors. ### (1) the covid-19 pandemic is a major shock to the global and union economy. due to the necessary containment measures , economic activity in the eu dropped significantly. the contraction in eu gdp in 2020 is expected to be around 7.5% , far deeper than during the financial crisis in 2009. the intensity of the macroeconomic shock cannot be yet determined precisely. moreover the impact of the pandemic is uneven in europe with certain regions being affected more harshly , increasing thus the expectations of market failures in these areas as well as in specific industrial sectors with tremendous impact on growth and employment. the outbreak of the pandemic has shown the interconnectivity of global supply chains and exposed some vulnerabilities such as the over-reliance of strategic industries on non-diversified external supply sources. additionally , the pandemic made it clear that traditional value creation and value delivery functions of the business models are very weak and that the need for transition to a sustainable and digitalized production paradigm is a strategic priority for a future global leadership of the union. such vulnerabilities affected particularly smes and the start-up ecosystems , and need to be addressed , to improve the union’s emergency response as well as the resilience of the entire economy , while maintaining its openness to competition and trade in line with its rules. investment activity is expected to have dropped significantly. even before the pandemic , while a recovery in investment-to-gdp ratios in the union could be observed , it remained below what might be expected in a strong recovery and was insufficient to compensate for years of underinvestment following the 2009 crisis. this is also an indicator of the need not only to correct the investment market failures by boosting the supply side with strong investment instruments , but also the demand side for those instruments. more importantly , the current investment levels and forecasts do not cover the union’s needs for structural investment to restart and sustain long-term growth in the face of technological change and global competitiveness , including for innovation , skills , infrastructure , small and medium-sized enterprises (smes) , start-ups and the need to address key societal challenges such as sustainability or population ageing. consequently , in order to achieve the union's policy objectives and to support a swift , inclusive , sustainable and healthy economic recovery , support is necessary to address market failures and sub-optimal investment situations and to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors.


### (2) evaluations have underlined that the variety of financial instruments delivered under the 2014-2020 multiannual financial framework period has led to some overlaps in their scope. that variety has also produced complexity for intermediaries and final recipients who were confronted with different eligibility and reporting rules. the absence of compatible rules also hampered the combination of several union funds , although such combinations would have been beneficial in order to support projects in need of different types of funding. therefore , a single fund , the investeu fund , which builds on the experience of the european fund for strategic investments (efsi) set up under the investment plan for europe , should be set up in order to provide more efficiently functioning support to final recipients by integrating and simplifying the financing offered under a single budgetary guarantee scheme , thereby improving the impact of union support while reducing the cost to the union payable from the budget. ### (2) evaluations have underlined that the variety of financial instruments delivered under the 2014-2020 multiannual financial framework period has led to some overlaps in their scope. that variety has also produced complexity for intermediaries and final recipients who were confronted with different eligibility and reporting rules. the absence of compatible rules also hampered the combination of several union funds , although such combinations would have been beneficial in order to support projects in need of different types of funding. therefore , a single fund , the investeu fund , which builds on the experience of the european fund for strategic investments (efsi) set up under the investment plan for europe , should be set up in order to provide more efficiently functioning support to final recipients by integrating and simplifying the financing offered under a single budgetary guarantee scheme , thereby improving the impact of union support while reducing the cost to the union payable from the budget , but also at the bureaucratic level.


### (4) at union level , the european semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation. member states , where appropriate in cooperation with local and regional authorities , 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 of outlining and coordinating priority investment projects that are to be supported by national funding , union funding , or both. those strategies should also use union funding in a coherent manner and maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the european structural and investment funds , the recovery and resilience facility and the investeu programme. ### (4) at union level , the european semester of economic policy coordination is the framework to identify national reform priorities and monitor their implementation. member states , where appropriate in cooperation with local and regional authorities , 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 of outlining and coordinating priority investment projects that are to be supported by national funding , union funding , or both. those strategies should also use union funding in a coherent and strategic , taking into account not only the economic recovery , but also the goals of the green deal. these investments should maximise the added value of the financial support to be received notably from the european structural and investment funds , the recovery and resilience facility and the investeu programme.


### (5) the investeu fund should contribute to improving the competitiveness and socio-economic convergence and cohesion of the union , including in the fields of innovation and digitisation , to the efficient use of resources in accordance with the circular economy , to the sustainability and inclusiveness of the union's economic growth and to the social resilience and integration of the union capital markets , including through solutions that address the fragmentation of union capital markets and that diversify sources of financing for union enterprises. to that end , the investeu fund should support projects that are technically and economically viable by providing a framework for the use of debt , risk sharing and equity instruments backed up by a guarantee from the union budget and by financial contributions from implementing partners as relevant. the investeu fund should be demand-driven , while at the same time it should focus on providing strategic , long-term benefits in relation to key areas of union policy which otherwise would not be funded or would be insufficiently funded , thereby contributing to meeting policy objectives of the union. support under the investeu fund should cover a wide range of sectors and regions , but should avoid excessive sectoral or geographical concentration and should facilitate access of projects composed of partner entities in multiple regions across the eu. ### (5) the investeu fund should contribute to improving the competitiveness and socio-economic convergence and cohesion of the union , including in the fields of innovation and digitisation , to the efficient use of resources in accordance with the circular economy , to the sustainability and inclusiveness of the union's economic growth and to the social resilience and integration of the union capital markets , including through solutions that address the fragmentation of union capital markets and that diversify sources of financing for union enterprises. to that end , the investeu fund should support projects that are technically and economically viable by providing a framework for the use of debt , risk sharing and equity instruments backed up by a guarantee from the union budget and by financial contributions from implementing partners as relevant. the investeu fund should be demand-driven , while at the same time it should focus on providing strategic , long-term benefits in relation to key areas of union policy which otherwise would not be funded or would be insufficiently funded , thereby contributing to meeting policy objectives of the union. support under the investeu fund should cover a wide range of sectors and regions , but should avoid excessive sectoral or geographical concentration and should facilitate access of projects composed of partner entities in multiple regions across the eu. special attention should be given to the main sectors affected by the crisis caused by the pandemic of covid-19 , but also to the regions with difficulties that are due to their geographic location , such as the outermost , island and remote regions.


### (5) the investeu fund should contribute to improving the competitiveness and socio-economic convergence and cohesion of the union , including in the fields of innovation and digitisation , to the efficient use of resources in accordance with the circular economy , to the sustainability and inclusiveness of the union's economic growth and to the social resilience and integration of the union capital markets , including through solutions that address the fragmentation of union capital markets and that diversify sources of financing for union enterprises. to that end , the investeu fund should support projects that are technically and economically viable by providing a framework for the use of debt , risk sharing and equity instruments backed up by a guarantee from the union budget and by financial contributions from implementing partners as relevant. the investeu fund should be demand-driven , while at the same time it should focus on providing strategic , long-term benefits in relation to key areas of union policy which otherwise would not be funded or would be insufficiently funded , thereby contributing to meeting policy objectives of the union. support under the investeu fund should cover a wide range of sectors and regions , but should avoid excessive sectoral or geographical concentration and should facilitate access of projects composed of partner entities in multiple regions across the eu. ### (5) the investeu fund should contribute to improving the competitiveness and socio-economic convergence and cohesion of the union , including in the fields of innovation and digitisation , to the efficient use of resources in accordance with the circular economy , to the sustainability and inclusiveness of the union's economic growth and to the social resilience and integration of the union capital markets , including through solutions that address the fragmentation of union capital markets and that diversify sources of financing for union enterprises. to that end , the investeu fund should support projects that are technically and economically viable by providing a framework for the use of debt , risk sharing and equity instruments backed up by a guarantee from the union budget and by financial contributions from implementing partners as relevant. the investeu fund should be demand-driven , while at the same time it should focus on providing strategic , long-term benefits in relation to key areas of union policy which otherwise would not be funded or would be insufficiently funded , thereby contributing to meeting policy objectives of the union. support under the investeu fund should cover a wide range of sectors and regions , but should avoid excessive sectoral or geographical concentration and should facilitate access of projects composed of partner entities in multiple regions across the eu , including in outermost regions.


### (6) the cultural and creative sectors are key and fast growing sectors in the union , generating both economic and cultural value from intellectual property and individual creativity. however , restrictions on social contacts put in place during the covid-19 crisis had a significantly negative economic impact on these sectors. moreover , the intangible nature of the assets in those sectors limits the access of smes and organisations from those sectors to private financing which is essential to be able to invest , scale up and compete at an international level. the investeu programme should continue to facilitate access to finance for smes and organisations from the cultural and creative sectors. the cultural and creative , audiovisual and media sectors are essential for our cultural diversity and democracy in the digital age , and an intrinsic part of our sovereignty and autonomy , and strategic investments in audiovisual and media content and technology will determine the long-term capacity to produce and distribute content to wide audiences across national borders. ### (6) the cultural , educational and creative sectors are key and fast growing sectors in the union , generating both economic and cultural value from intellectual property and individual creativity. however , restrictions on social contacts put in place during the covid-19 crisis had a significantly negative economic impact on these sectors. moreover , the intangible nature of the assets in those sectors limits the access of smes and organisations from those sectors to private financing which is essential to be able to invest , scale up and compete at an international level. the investeu programme should continue to facilitate access to finance for smes and organisations from the cultural , educational and creative sectors. the cultural , educational and creative , audiovisual and media sectors are essential for our cultural diversity and democracy in the digital age , and an intrinsic part of our sovereignty and autonomy , and strategic investments in audiovisual and media content and technology will determine the long-term capacity to produce and distribute content to wide audiences across national borders.


### (10) reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union's commitments to implement the paris agreement on climate change and the sdgs , the investeu programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the union budget expenditures supporting climate objectives. actions under the investeu programme are expected to contribute 30 % of the overall financial envelope of the investeu programme to climate objectives. relevant actions will be identified during the investeu programme's preparation and implementation and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes. ### (10) reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union's commitments to implement the paris agreement on climate change and the sdgs , the investeu programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 30 % of the union budget expenditures supporting climate objectives and 10% supporting biodiversity-related objectives. actions under the investeu programme are expected to contribute 60 % of the overall financial envelope of the investeu programme to climate and biodiversity objectives. relevant actions will be identified during the investeu programme's preparation and implementation and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes.


### (13) investment projects that receive substantial union support , in particular in the area of infrastructure , should be screened by the implementing partner to determine whether they have an environmental , climate or social impact. investment projects that have such an impact should be subject to sustainability proofing in accordance with guidance that should be developed by the commission in close cooperation with potential implementing partners under the investeu programme. this guidance should appropriately use the criteria established by [regulation on establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment] for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable and consistent with the guidance developed for other programmes of the union. consistent with the principle of proportionality , such guidance should include adequate provisions for avoiding undue administrative burdens , and projects below a certain size as to be defined in the guidance should be excluded from the sustainability proofing. where the implementing partner concludes that no sustainability proofing is to be carried out , it should provide a justification to the investment committee established for the investeu fund. operations that are inconsistent with the achievement of the climate objectives should not be eligible for support under this regulation. ### (13) investment projects that receive substantial union support , in particular in the area of infrastructure , should be screened by the implementing partner to determine whether they have an environmental , climate or social impact. investment projects that have such an impact should be subject to sustainability proofing in accordance with guidance that should be developed by the commission in close cooperation with potential implementing partners under the investeu programme. this guidance should appropriately use the criteria established by regulation (eu) 2020/852 of the european parliament and of the council on establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment1a for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable and consistent with the guidance developed for other programmes of the union. operations that are inconsistent with the achievement of the climate objectives or the criteria established by regulation (eu) 2020/852 should not be eligible for support under this regulation.


### (14) low infrastructure investment rates in the union during the financial crisis and again during the covid-19 crisis undermined the union's ability to boost sustainable growth , competitiveness and convergence. it also creates risk of consolidating imbalances and impacts regions’ development long-term. sizeable investments in union infrastructure , in particular with regard to interconnection and energy efficiency and to creating a single european transport area , are essential to meeting the union's sustainability targets , including the union’s commitments towards the sdgs , and the 2030 energy and climate targets. accordingly , support from the investeu fund should target investments into transport , energy , including energy efficiency and renewable energy sources and other safe and sustainable low-emission energy sources , environmental infrastructure , infrastructure related to climate action , maritime infrastructure and digital infrastructure. the investeu programme should prioritise areas that are under-invested , and in which additional investment is required. to maximise the impact and added value of union financing support , it is appropriate to promote a streamlined investment process that enables visibility of the project pipeline and maximises synergies across relevant union programmes in areas such as transport , energy and digitisation. bearing in mind threats to safety and security , investment projects receiving union support should include measures for infrastructure resilience , including infrastructure maintenance and safety , and should take into account principles for the protection of citizens in public spaces. this should be complementary to the efforts made by other union funds that provide support for security components of investments in public spaces , transport , energy and other critical infrastructure , such as the european regional development fund. ### (14) low infrastructure investment rates in the union during the financial crisis and again during the covid-19 crisis undermined the union's ability to boost sustainable growth , competitiveness and convergence. it also creates risk of consolidating imbalances and impacts regions’ development long-term. sizeable investments in union infrastructure , in particular with regard to interconnection , interoperability and energy efficiency and to creating a single european transport area , are essential to meeting the union's sustainability targets , including the union’s commitments towards the sdgs , and the 2030 energy and climate targets. accordingly , support from the investeu fund should target investments into transport -including the trans-european transport network , especially in cross-border sections- energy , including energy efficiency and renewable energy sources and other safe and sustainable low-emission energy sources , environmental infrastructure , infrastructure related to climate action , maritime infrastructure and digital infrastructure. the investeu programme should prioritise areas that are under-invested , and in which additional investment is required. to maximise the impact and added value of union financing support , it is appropriate to promote a streamlined investment process that enables visibility of the project pipeline and maximises synergies across relevant union programmes in areas such as transport , energy and digitisation. bearing in mind threats to safety and security , investment projects receiving union support should include measures for infrastructure resilience , including infrastructure maintenance and safety , and should take into account principles for the protection of citizens in public spaces. this should be complementary to the efforts made by other union funds that provide support for security components of investments in public spaces , transport , energy and other critical infrastructure , such as the european regional development fund.


### (14) low infrastructure investment rates in the union during the financial crisis and again during the covid-19 crisis undermined the union's ability to boost sustainable growth , competitiveness and convergence. it also creates risk of consolidating imbalances and impacts regions’ development long-term. sizeable investments in union infrastructure , in particular with regard to interconnection and energy efficiency and to creating a single european transport area , are essential to meeting the union's sustainability targets , including the union’s commitments towards the sdgs , and the 2030 energy and climate targets. accordingly , support from the investeu fund should target investments into transport , energy , including energy efficiency and renewable energy sources and other safe and sustainable low-emission energy sources , environmental infrastructure , infrastructure related to climate action , maritime infrastructure and digital infrastructure. the investeu programme should prioritise areas that are under-invested , and in which additional investment is required. to maximise the impact and added value of union financing support , it is appropriate to promote a streamlined investment process that enables visibility of the project pipeline and maximises synergies across relevant union programmes in areas such as transport , energy and digitisation. bearing in mind threats to safety and security , investment projects receiving union support should include measures for infrastructure resilience , including infrastructure maintenance and safety , and should take into account principles for the protection of citizens in public spaces. this should be complementary to the efforts made by other union funds that provide support for security components of investments in public spaces , transport , energy and other critical infrastructure , such as the european regional development fund. ### (14) low infrastructure investment rates in the union during the financial crisis and again during the covid-19 crisis undermined the union's ability to boost sustainable growth , competitiveness and convergence. it also creates risk of consolidating imbalances and impacts regions’ development long-term. sizeable investments in union infrastructure , in particular with regard to interconnection and energy efficiency and to creating a single european transport area , are essential to meeting the union's sustainability targets , including the union’s commitments towards the sdgs , and the new 2030 energy and climate targets. accordingly , support from the investeu fund should target investments into transport , energy , including energy efficiency and renewable energy sources and other safe and sustainable zero-ghg energy sources , environmental infrastructure , infrastructure related to climate action , maritime infrastructure and digital infrastructure. the investeu programme should prioritise areas that are under-invested , and in which additional investment is required. to maximise the impact and added value of union financing support , it is appropriate to promote a streamlined investment process that enables visibility of the project pipeline and maximises synergies across relevant union programmes in areas such as transport , energy and digitisation. bearing in mind threats to safety and security , investment projects receiving union support should include measures for infrastructure resilience , including infrastructure maintenance and safety , and should take into account principles for the protection of citizens in public spaces. this should be complementary to the efforts made by other union funds that provide support for security components of investments in public spaces , transport , energy and other critical infrastructure , such as the european regional development fund.


### (19) tourism is an important area for the union economy and the sector , which experienced a particularly severe contraction as a result of covid-19 pandemic. the investeu programme should contribute to strengthening its long-term competitiveness by supporting operations promoting sustainable , innovative and digital tourism. ### (19) tourism is an important area for the union economy and the sector , which experienced a particularly severe contraction as a result of covid-19 pandemic. the investeu programme should contribute to strengthening its long-term competitiveness by setting the foundations for a new smart , sustainable , innovative , modern and resilient eu tourism and travel sector , including innovative measures to reduce the climate and environment footprint of the sector. restrictions on social contacts and closures of borders put in place during the covid-19 crisis had a significantly negative economic impact on tourism and interlinked sectors. the regional and local level should be well involved in the investeu programme , with special attention and assistance going to regions and cities heavily dependent on tourism and particular consideration of the situation of remote and rural areas as well as islands.


### (19) tourism is an important area for the union economy and the sector , which experienced a particularly severe contraction as a result of covid-19 pandemic. the investeu programme should contribute to strengthening its long-term competitiveness by supporting operations promoting sustainable , innovative and digital tourism. ### (19) tourism is an important area for the union and for the development of the internal market , economy and the sector , which experienced a particularly severe contraction as a result of covid-19 pandemic. the losses for the sector resulted not only in economic losses for agents and operators , but also in job losses. the economic development of many regions heavily dependent on the tourism sector , such as the outermost , coastal and island regions , has been severely affected. the investeu programme should contribute to strengthening its long-term competitiveness by supporting operations promoting sustainable , innovative and digital tourism , but also to create new jobs for the sector.


### (22) as set out in the commission's reflection paper on the social dimension of europe of 26 april 2017 , the communication on european pillar of social rights , the union framework for the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities and the communication on ‘strong social europe for just transitions’ of 14 january 2020 , building a more inclusive and fair union is a key priority for the union to tackle inequality and foster social inclusion policies in europe. inequality of opportunities affects in particular access to education , training , culture , employment , health and social services. investment in the social , skills and human capital-related economy , as well as in the integration of vulnerable populations in the society , can enhance economic opportunities , especially if coordinated at union level. the investeu fund should be used to support investment in education and training , including the re-skilling and upskilling of workers , inter alia in regions depending on a carbon intensive economy and affected by the structural transition to a low-carbon economy. it should be used to support projects that generate positive social impacts and enhance social inclusion by helping to increase employment across all regions , in particular among the unskilled and long-term unemployed , and to improve the situation with regard to gender equality , equal opportunities , non-discrimination , accessibility , intergenerational solidarity , the health and social services sector , social housing , homelessness , digital inclusiveness , community development , the role and place of young people in society as well as vulnerable people , including third country nationals. the investeu programme should also support european culture and creativity that has a social goal. ### (22) as set out in the commission's reflection paper on the social dimension of europe of 26 april 2017 , the communication on european pillar of social rights , the union framework for the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities and the communication on ‘strong social europe for just transitions’ of 14 january 2020 , building a more inclusive and fair union is a key priority for the union to tackle inequality and foster social inclusion policies in europe. inequality of opportunities affects in particular access to education , training , culture , employment , health and social services. investment in the social , skills and human capital-related economy , as well as in the integration of vulnerable populations in the society , can enhance economic opportunities , especially if coordinated at union level. the investeu fund should be used to support investment in education and training , including the re-skilling and upskilling of workers , inter alia in regions depending on a carbon intensive economy and affected by the structural transition to a low-carbon economy. it should be used to support projects that generate positive social impacts and enhance social inclusion by helping to increase employment across all regions , in particular among the unskilled and long-term unemployed , especially in the outermost regions , which in general have structural problems with regard to employment. the program should support the development of projects that improve the situation with regard to gender equality , equal opportunities , non-discrimination , accessibility , intergenerational solidarity , the health and social services sector , social housing , homelessness , digital inclusiveness , community development , the role and place of young people in society as well as vulnerable people , including third country nationals. the investeu programme should also support european culture and creativity that has a social goal.


### (25) the covid-19 pandemic is a major shock to the global and union economy. the contraction in eu gdp is expected to be far deeper than during the financial crisis in 2009 and adverse social effects will be inevitable. the outbreak of the pandemic has shown the need for strategic vulnerabilities to be addressed in order to improve the union’s emergency response as well as the resilience of the entire economy. only a resilient , inclusive and integrated european economy can preserve the single market and the level playing field also to the benefit of the hardest-hit member states. ### (25) the covid-19 pandemic is a major shock to the global and union economy. the contraction in eu gdp is expected to be far deeper than during the financial crisis in 2009 and adverse social effects will be inevitable. the outbreak of the pandemic has shown the urgent need for strategic vulnerabilities to be addressed in a coordinated way , in order to improve the union’s emergency response as well as the resilience of the entire economy. only a resilient , inclusive and integrated european economy can preserve the well-functioning of the single market and the level playing field also to the benefit of the hardest-hit member states.


### (25) the covid-19 pandemic is a major shock to the global and union economy. the contraction in eu gdp is expected to be far deeper than during the financial crisis in 2009 and adverse social effects will be inevitable. the outbreak of the pandemic has shown the need for strategic vulnerabilities to be addressed in order to improve the union’s emergency response as well as the resilience of the entire economy. only a resilient , inclusive and integrated european economy can preserve the single market and the level playing field also to the benefit of the hardest-hit member states. ### (25) the covid-19 pandemic is a major shock to the global and union economy. the contraction in eu gdp is expected to be far deeper than during the financial crisis in 2009 and adverse social effects will be inevitable. the outbreak of the pandemic has shown the need for strategic vulnerabilities to be addressed in order to improve the union’s emergency response as well as the resilience of the entire economy. only a resilient , inclusive and integrated european economy can preserve the single market from the danger of fragmentation and the level playing field also to the benefit of the hardest-hit member states.


### (28) the primary focus of the strategic european investment window should be on support to those final recipients established in a member state and operating in the union whose activities are of strategic importance to the union in particular in view of the green and digital transitions and of enhanced resilience in areas of (i) critical healthcare provision , manufacturing and stockpiling of pharmaceuticals , medical devices and medical supplies , strengthening of health crisis response capacity and of the civil protection system , (ii) critical infrastructure , whether physical or virtual; (iii) provision of goods and services instrumental to the operation and maintenance of such infrastructure , (iv) key enabling , transformative , green and digital technologies and game-changing innovations where the investment is strategically important for the union’s industrial future , including artificial intelligence , blockchain , software , robotics , semiconductors , microprocessors , edge cloud technologies , high-performance computing , cybersecurity , quantum technologies , photonics , industrial biotechnology , renewable energy technologies , energy storage technologies including batteries , sustainable transport technologies , clean hydrogen and fuel cell applications , decarbonisation technologies for industry , carbon capture and storage , circular economy technologies biomedicine , nanotechnologies , pharmaceuticals and advanced materials; (v) manufacturing facilities for mass production of information communication and technology components and devices in the eu; (vi) supply and stockpiling of critical inputs to public actors , businesses or consumers in the union; (vii) critical technologies and inputs for the security of the union and its member states , such as defence and space sectors and cybersecurity , and dual use items as defined in point 1 of article 2 of council regulation (ec) no 428/2009. the final recipients should have their registered office in a member state and they should be active in the union in the sense that they have substantial activities in terms of staff , manufacturing , research and development or other business activities in the union. projects which contribute to diversification of strategic supply chains in the single market through operations in multiple locations across the eu should be able to benefit. ### (28) the primary focus of the strategic european investment window should be on support to those final recipients established in a member state and operating in the union whose activities are of strategic importance to the union in particular in view of the green and digital transitions and of enhanced resilience in areas of (i) critical healthcare provision , manufacturing and stockpiling of pharmaceuticals , medical devices and medical supplies , strengthening of health crisis response capacity and of the civil protection system , (ii) critical infrastructure , whether physical or virtual , including the trans-european transport network (ten-t) , especially in cross-border sections; (iii) provision of goods and services instrumental to the operation and maintenance of such infrastructure , including financing and human resources in order to give solutions to bottlenecks in the ten-t and to reduce the administrative burden in cross-border sections; (iv) key enabling , transformative , green and digital technologies and game-changing innovations where the investment is strategically important for the union’s industrial future , including artificial intelligence , blockchain , software , robotics , semiconductors , microprocessors , edge cloud technologies , high-performance computing , cybersecurity , quantum technologies , photonics , industrial biotechnology , renewable energy technologies , energy storage technologies including batteries , sustainable transport technologies and multimodal and sustainable mobility solutions , clean hydrogen and fuel cell applications , decarbonisation technologies for industry , carbon capture and storage , circular economy technologies biomedicine , nanotechnologies , pharmaceuticals and advanced materials; (v) manufacturing facilities for mass production of information communication and technology components and devices in the eu; (vi) supply and stockpiling of critical inputs to public actors , businesses or consumers in the union; (vii) critical technologies and inputs for the security of the union and its member states , such as defence and space sectors and cybersecurity , and dual use items as defined in point 1 of article 2 of council regulation (ec) no 428/2009. the final recipients should have their registered office in a member state and they should be active in the union in the sense that they have substantial activities in terms of staff , manufacturing , research and development or other business activities in the union. projects which contribute to diversification of strategic supply chains in the single market through operations in multiple locations across the eu should be able to benefit.


### (28) the primary focus of the strategic european investment window should be on support to those final recipients established in a member state and operating in the union whose activities are of strategic importance to the union in particular in view of the green and digital transitions and of enhanced resilience in areas of (i) critical healthcare provision , manufacturing and stockpiling of pharmaceuticals , medical devices and medical supplies , strengthening of health crisis response capacity and of the civil protection system , (ii) critical infrastructure , whether physical or virtual; (iii) provision of goods and services instrumental to the operation and maintenance of such infrastructure , (iv) key enabling , transformative , green and digital technologies and game-changing innovations where the investment is strategically important for the union’s industrial future , including artificial intelligence , blockchain , software , robotics , semiconductors , microprocessors , edge cloud technologies , high-performance computing , cybersecurity , quantum technologies , photonics , industrial biotechnology , renewable energy technologies , energy storage technologies including batteries , sustainable transport technologies , clean hydrogen and fuel cell applications , decarbonisation technologies for industry , carbon capture and storage , circular economy technologies biomedicine , nanotechnologies , pharmaceuticals and advanced materials; (v) manufacturing facilities for mass production of information communication and technology components and devices in the eu; (vi) supply and stockpiling of critical inputs to public actors , businesses or consumers in the union; (vii) critical technologies and inputs for the security of the union and its member states , such as defence and space sectors and cybersecurity , and dual use items as defined in point 1 of article 2 of council regulation (ec) no 428/2009. the final recipients should have their registered office in a member state and they should be active in the union in the sense that they have substantial activities in terms of staff , manufacturing , research and development or other business activities in the union. projects which contribute to diversification of strategic supply chains in the single market through operations in multiple locations across the eu should be able to benefit. ### (28) the primary focus of the strategic european investment window should be on support to those final recipients established in a member state and operating in the union whose activities are of strategic importance to the union in particular in view of the green and digital transitions and of enhanced resilience in areas of (i) critical healthcare provision , manufacturing and stockpiling of pharmaceuticals , medical devices and medical supplies , strengthening of health crisis response capacity and of the civil protection system , (ii) critical infrastructure , whether physical or virtual; (iii) provision of goods and services instrumental to the operation and maintenance of such infrastructure , (iv) key enabling , transformative , green and digital technologies and game-changing innovations where the investment is strategically important for the union’s industrial future , including artificial intelligence , blockchain , software , robotics , semiconductors , microprocessors , edge cloud technologies , high-performance computing , cybersecurity , quantum technologies , photonics , industrial biotechnology , renewable energy technologies , energy storage technologies including batteries , sustainable transport technologies , green hydrogen from renewable energy sources and fuel cell applications , decarbonisation technologies for industry , carbon capture and storage and utilisation exclusively for fatal emissions , circular economy technologies biomedicine , nanotechnologies , pharmaceuticals and advanced materials; (v) manufacturing facilities for mass production of information communication and technology components and devices in the eu; (vi) supply and stockpiling of critical inputs to public actors , businesses or consumers in the union; (vii) critical technologies and inputs for the security of the union and its member states , such as defence and space sectors and cybersecurity , and dual use items as defined in point 1 of article 2 of council regulation (ec) no 428/2009. the final recipients should have their registered office in a member state and they should be active in the union in the sense that they have substantial activities in terms of staff , manufacturing , research and development or other business activities in the union. projects which contribute to diversification of strategic supply chains in the single market through operations in multiple locations across the eu should be able to benefit.


### (28) the primary focus of the strategic european investment window should be on support to those final recipients established in a member state and operating in the union whose activities are of strategic importance to the union in particular in view of the green and digital transitions and of enhanced resilience in areas of (i) critical healthcare provision , manufacturing and stockpiling of pharmaceuticals , medical devices and medical supplies , strengthening of health crisis response capacity and of the civil protection system , (ii) critical infrastructure , whether physical or virtual; (iii) provision of goods and services instrumental to the operation and maintenance of such infrastructure , (iv) key enabling , transformative , green and digital technologies and game-changing innovations where the investment is strategically important for the union’s industrial future , including artificial intelligence , blockchain , software , robotics , semiconductors , microprocessors , edge cloud technologies , high-performance computing , cybersecurity , quantum technologies , photonics , industrial biotechnology , renewable energy technologies , energy storage technologies including batteries , sustainable transport technologies , clean hydrogen and fuel cell applications , decarbonisation technologies for industry , carbon capture and storage , circular economy technologies biomedicine , nanotechnologies , pharmaceuticals and advanced materials; (v) manufacturing facilities for mass production of information communication and technology components and devices in the eu; (vi) supply and stockpiling of critical inputs to public actors , businesses or consumers in the union; (vii) critical technologies and inputs for the security of the union and its member states , such as defence and space sectors and cybersecurity , and dual use items as defined in point 1 of article 2 of council regulation (ec) no 428/2009. the final recipients should have their registered office in a member state and they should be active in the union in the sense that they have substantial activities in terms of staff , manufacturing , research and development or other business activities in the union. projects which contribute to diversification of strategic supply chains in the single market through operations in multiple locations across the eu should be able to benefit. ### (28) the primary focus of the strategic european investment window should be on support to those final recipients established in a member state and operating in the union whose activities are of strategic importance to the union in particular in view of the green and digital transitions and of enhanced resilience in areas of (i) critical healthcare provision , manufacturing and stockpiling of pharmaceuticals , medical devices and medical supplies , strengthening of health crisis response capacity and of the civil protection system , (ii) critical infrastructure , whether physical or virtual; (iii) provision of goods and services instrumental to the operation and maintenance of such infrastructure , (iv) key enabling , transformative , green and digital technologies and game-changing innovations where the investment is strategically important for the union’s industrial future , including artificial intelligence , blockchain , software , robotics , semiconductors , microprocessors , edge cloud technologies , high-performance computing , cybersecurity , quantum technologies , photonics , industrial biotechnology , renewable energy technologies , energy storage technologies including batteries , sustainable transport technologies , clean hydrogen and fuel cell applications , decarbonisation technologies for industry , carbon capture and storage , circular economy technologies biomedicine , nanotechnologies , pharmaceuticals and advanced materials; (v) manufacturing facilities for mass production of information communication and technology components and devices in the eu; (vi) supply and stockpiling of critical inputs to public actors , businesses or consumers in the union; (vii) critical technologies and inputs for the security of the union and its member states , such as defence and space sectors and cybersecurity , and dual use items as defined in point 1 of article 2 of council regulation (ec) no 428/2009; (viii) manufacturing. the final recipients should have their registered office in a member state and they should be active in the union in the sense that they have substantial activities in terms of staff , manufacturing , research and development or other business activities in the union. projects which contribute to diversification of strategic supply chains in the single market through operations in multiple locations across the eu should be able to benefit.


### (35) the commission should seek the views of other potential implementing partners along with the eib group on investment guidelines , the climate tracking system , the sustainability proofing guidance documents and common methodologies , as appropriate , with a view to ensuring inclusiveness and operationality until the governance bodies have been set up , after which the involvement of implementing partners should take place within the framework of the advisory board and the steering board of the investeu programme. ### (35) the commission should seek the views of other potential implementing partners , including local and regional authorities , social partners and civil society along with the eib group on investment guidelines , the climate tracking system , the sustainability proofing guidance documents and common methodologies , as appropriate , with a view to ensuring inclusiveness and operationality until the governance bodies have been set up , after which the involvement of implementing partners should take place within the framework of the advisory board and the steering board of the investeu programme.


### the sustainable and inclusive recovery of the union economy after the crisis caused by the covid-19 pandemic , upholding and strengthening its strategic value chains and maintaining and reinforcing activities of strategic importance to the union in relation to critical infrastructure , transformative technologies , game-changing innovations and inputs to businesses and consumers. ### the sustainable and inclusive recovery of the union economy after the crisis caused by the covid-19 pandemic , upholding and strengthening the well-functioning of its strategic value chains and maintaining and reinforcing activities of strategic importance to the union in relation to critical infrastructure - including the trans-european transport network- , transformative technologies , game-changing innovations and inputs to businesses and consumers.


### the sustainable and inclusive recovery of the union economy after the crisis caused by the covid-19 pandemic , upholding and strengthening its strategic value chains and maintaining and reinforcing activities of strategic importance to the union in relation to critical infrastructure , transformative technologies , game-changing innovations and inputs to businesses and consumers. ### the sustainable and inclusive recovery of the union economy after the crisis caused by the covid-19 pandemic , upholding and strengthening its strategic value chains and maintaining and reinforcing activities of strategic importance to the union in relation to critical infrastructure , transformative technologies , game-changing innovations and inputs to businesses , especially for smes in the transport and tourism sector and consumers.


### (1) in its communication of 11 december 201915 , the commission set out a european green deal for the european union and its citizens. the european green deal is a new growth strategy that aims to transform the union into a fair and prosperous society , with a modern , resource-efficient and competitive economy where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. ### (1) in its communication of 11 december 201915 , the commission set out a european green deal for the european union and its citizens. the european green deal is a new growth strategy that aims to transform the union into a fair and prosperous society , with a modern , resource-efficient and competitive economy where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. the european green deal recognises the need of an effective and progressive response to tackle the urgent treat of climate change and the impacts of the measures taken.


### (5) rail has a significant role to play as a game changer to achieve the climate neutrality objective by 2050. it is one of the most environmentally friendly and energy-efficient transport modes. rail is largely electrified and emits far less co2 than equivalent travel by road or air , and is the only mode that has consistently reduced its greenhouse gas emissions and co2 emissions since 1990. in addition , rail has decreased its energy consumption between 1990-201618 and increasingly uses renewable energy sources. ### (5) rail has a significant role to play as a game changer to achieve the climate neutrality objective by 2050. it is one of the most environmentally friendly and energy-efficient transport modes. rail is largely electrified and emits just 0 ,5% of the total greenhouse gas emission from transport18a , far less than equivalent travel by road or air , and is the only mode that has consistently reduced its greenhouse gas emissions and co2 emissions since 1990. in addition , rail has decreased its energy consumption between 1990-201618 and increasingly uses renewable energy sources;


### (6) by connecting the union’s main transport routes with its peripheral regions and territories , the rail sector contributes to social , economic and territorial cohesion. ### (6) by connecting the main transport routes of the union with its peripheral regions and territories , the railway sector contributes to social , economic and territorial cohesion and acts as a communication backbone that helps to retain the population in rural areas of the eu where rail is the main means of public transport , hence ensuring development and mobility in those areas.


### (6) by connecting the union’s main transport routes with its peripheral regions and territories , the rail sector contributes to social , economic and territorial cohesion. ### (6) by connecting the union’s main transport routes with its peripheral regions and rural territories , the rail sector contributes to social , economic and territorial cohesion.


### (7) while the share of passenger rail in the union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007 , the share of freight has decreased. many obstacles remain to achieve a true single european rail area , including in respect of the need to minimise noise. overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers and businesses alike. ### (7) while the share of passenger rail in the union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007 , the share of freight has decreased. many obstacles remain to achieve a true single european rail area , including in respect of the need to minimise noise. overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers and businesses alike. there is also a need for a clear commitment to boost plans for improving and restoring connections and for completing missing links , and to renew , electrify and modernise rolling stock , especially in areas where the railway network is gradually deteriorating and being dismantled , impacting seriously on mobility and freight transport in those areas.


### (7) while the share of passenger rail in the union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007 , the share of freight has decreased. many obstacles remain to achieve a true single european rail area , including in respect of the need to minimise noise. overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers and businesses alike. ### (7) while the share of passenger rail in the union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007 , the share of freight has decreased. many obstacles remain to achieve a true single european rail area , including in respect of the need to minimise noise. overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive and more accessible to travellers , especially youth and citizens living in peripheral areas and rural territories , and businesses alike.


### (7) while the share of passenger rail in the union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007 , the share of freight has decreased. many obstacles remain to achieve a true single european rail area , including in respect of the need to minimise noise. overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers and businesses alike. ### (7) while the share of passenger rail in the union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007 , the share of freight has decreased. many obstacles remain to achieve a true single european rail area , including in respect of the need to minimise noise. overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers , workers and businesses alike.


### the objective of the european year shall be to encourage and support the efforts of the union , the member states , regional and local authorities , and other organisations to increase the share of passengers and freight moving by rail. in particular , the european year shall ### the objective of the european year shall be to encourage and support the efforts of the union , the member states , regional and local authorities , as well as other relevant stakeholders to increase the share of passengers and freight moving by rail. in particular , the european year shall;


### the objective of the european year shall be to encourage and support the efforts of the union , the member states , regional and local authorities , and other organisations to increase the share of passengers and freight moving by rail. in particular , the european year shall ### the objective of the european year shall be to encourage and support the efforts of the union , the member states , regional and local authorities , ngos , and other public and private organisations to increase the share of passengers and freight moving by rail. in particular , the european year shall


### promote rail as a sustainable , innovative and safe mode of transport , in particular by highlighting the role of rail as a game changer to help reaching the union’s climate neutrality objective by 2050 and by reaching out to the wider public , especially youth; ### promote rail as a sustainable , innovative and safe mode of transport , in particular by highlighting the role of rail as a game changer to help reaching the union’s climate neutrality objective by 2050 and by reaching out to the wider public , especially to youth and seniors;


### promote rail as a sustainable , innovative and safe mode of transport , in particular by highlighting the role of rail as a game changer to help reaching the union’s climate neutrality objective by 2050 and by reaching out to the wider public , especially youth; ### promote rail as a sustainable , affordable , accessible , innovative and safe mode of transport , in particular by highlighting the role of rail as a game changer to help reaching the union’s climate neutrality objective by 2050 , in line the goals of the paris agreement , and by reaching out to the wider public , especially youth and citizens living in peripheral areas and rural territories;


### promote rail as a sustainable , innovative and safe mode of transport , in particular by highlighting the role of rail as a game changer to help reaching the union’s climate neutrality objective by 2050 and by reaching out to the wider public , especially youth; ### promote rail as a sustainable , innovative , safe and unifying mode of transport , in particular by highlighting the role of rail as a game changer to help reaching the union’s climate neutrality objective by 2050 and by reaching out to the wider public , especially youth;


### highlight the european , cross-border dimension of rail , that brings citizens closer together , allows them to explore the union in all its diversity , fosters cohesion and contributes to integrate the union internal market; ### highlight the european , cross-border dimension of rail , that plays a crucial role in the development of sustainable , regional and local tourism , brings citizens closer together , allows them to explore the union in all its diversity , fosters cohesion and contributes to integrate the union internal market;


### highlight the european , cross-border dimension of rail , that brings citizens closer together , allows them to explore the union in all its diversity , fosters cohesion and contributes to integrate the union internal market; ### highlight the european , cross-border dimension of rail , that brings citizens closer together , allows them to explore the union in all its diversity , fosters cohesion , brings rural and peripheral areas closer to other parts of the eu and contributes to integrate the union internal market;


### highlight the european , cross-border dimension of rail , that brings citizens closer together , allows them to explore the union in all its diversity , fosters cohesion and contributes to integrate the union internal market; ### highlight the european cross-border dimension of rail , that can bring citizens closer together , can allow them to explore the union in all its diversity , can foster cohesion and can contribute to integrate the union internal market;


### enhance the contribution of rail to union economy , industry and society , covering in particular aspects related to regional development , industrial competitiveness , sustainable tourism , innovation , employment , education , youth and culture , and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities; ### enhance the contribution of rail to union economy , industry and society , covering in particular aspects related to regional development , cross-border cohesion , industrial competitiveness , the silver economy , sustainable tourism , innovation , employment , education , youth and culture , and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities;


### enhance the contribution of rail to union economy , industry and society , covering in particular aspects related to regional development , industrial competitiveness , sustainable tourism , innovation , employment , education , youth and culture , and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities; ### enhance the contribution of rail to union economy , industry and society , covering in particular aspects related to local , regional and cross-border development , industrial competitiveness , sustainable tourism , innovation , employment , education , youth and culture , and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities;


### enhance the contribution of rail to union economy , industry and society , covering in particular aspects related to regional development , industrial competitiveness , sustainable tourism , innovation , employment , education , youth and culture , and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities; ### enhance the contribution of rail to union economy , industry and society , covering in particular aspects related to regional development , industrial competitiveness , sustainable tourism , innovation , socially sustainable employment , education , youth and culture , and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities;


### enhance the contribution of rail to union economy , industry and society , covering in particular aspects related to regional development , industrial competitiveness , sustainable tourism , innovation , employment , education , youth and culture , and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities; ### enhance the contribution of rail to union economy , industry and society , covering in particular aspects related to regional development , rural development , industrial competitiveness , sustainable tourism , innovation , employment , education , youth and culture , and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities;


### contribute to promoting rail as an important element of the relations between the union and neighbouring countries , in particular in the western balkans , building on the interest and needs in partner countries and on the union’s expertise in rail transport. ### contribute to promoting rail as an important element of the relations between the union and neighbouring countries , in particular in the western balkans and the united kingdom , building on the interest and needs in partner countries and on the union’s expertise in rail transport.


### initiatives and events to promote debate , raise awareness and facilitate citizens , businesses and public authorities' engagement to attract more people and goods to rail as a means to combat climate change , through multiple channels and tools , including events in member states; ### initiatives aimed at promoting debate , raising awareness and incentivising the engagement of public authorities , businesses and other relevant stakeholders to attract more people and goods to rail as a means to combat climate change , through multiple channels and tools , including events in member states;


### initiatives and events to promote debate , raise awareness and facilitate citizens , businesses and public authorities' engagement to attract more people and goods to rail as a means to combat climate change , through multiple channels and tools , including events in member states; ### initiatives and events to promote debate , raise awareness and facilitate citizens , businesses and public authorities' engagement to attract more resources , people and goods to rail as a means to combat climate change and improve personal mobility , through multiple channels and tools , including events in member states;


### information , exhibitions , inspiration , education and awareness-raising campaigns to encourage changes in passenger , consumer and business behaviour and to stimulate an active contribution of the general public to achieving the objectives of more sustainable transport; ### information , education and awareness-raising campaigns to inspire and encourage changes in passenger , consumer and business behaviour and to stimulate an active contribution of the general public to achieving the objectives of more sustainable transport;


### sharing experience and good practices of national , regional and local authorities , civil society , business and schools on promoting the use of rail and on how to implement behavioural change at all levels; ### sharing experience and good practices of national , regional and local authorities and other relevant stakeholders , including businesses and educational facilities , on promoting the use of rail and on how to bring about behavioural change at all levels;


### sharing experience and good practices of national , regional and local authorities , civil society , business and schools on promoting the use of rail and on how to implement behavioural change at all levels; ### sharing experience and good practices of national , regional and local authorities , civil society , business , trade unions and schools on promoting the use of rail and on how to implement behavioural change at all levels;


### sharing experience and good practices of national , regional and local authorities , civil society , business and schools on promoting the use of rail and on how to implement behavioural change at all levels; ### sharing experience and good practices of national , regional and local authorities , civil society , ngos , business and schools on promoting the use of rail and on how to implement behavioural change at all levels;


### the undertaking of studies and innovative activities and the dissemination of their results on a european or national scale; and ### the undertaking of studies and innovative activities and the dissemination of their results on a european , national and regional scale; and;


### 2. the union institutions and bodies , as well as the member states , at union and national level respectively , may refer to the european year and make use of its visual identity in promoting the activities referred to in paragraph 1. ### 2. the union institutions and bodies , as well as the member states , at union and national level respectively , are encouraged to refer to the european year and make use of its visual identity in promoting the activities referred to in paragraph 1.


### the organisation of participation in the european year at national level is a responsibility of the member states. to that end , member states shall appoint national coordinators. the national coordinators shall ensure the coordination of relevant activities at national level. ### the organisation of participation in the european year at national level is a responsibility of the member states. to that end , member states shall appoint national coordinators and , in case of need , regional and local sub-coordinators. the national coordinators , in accordance with the sub-coordinators , in case one or more are appointed , shall ensure the coordination of relevant activities at national level.


### 1. the commission shall regularly convene meetings of the national coordinators in order to coordinate the running of the european year. those meetings shall also serve as opportunities to exchange information regarding the implementation of the european year at national and union level; representatives of the european parliament may participate in those meetings as observers. ### 1. the commission shall regularly convene meetings of the national coordinators in order to coordinate the running of the european year. those meetings shall also serve as opportunities to exchange information and best practices regarding the implementation of the european year at national and union level; representatives of the european parliament may participate in those meetings as observers;


### 1. the commission shall regularly convene meetings of the national coordinators in order to coordinate the running of the european year. those meetings shall also serve as opportunities to exchange information regarding the implementation of the european year at national and union level; representatives of the european parliament may participate in those meetings as observers. ### 1. the commission shall regularly convene meetings of the national coordinators in order to coordinate the running of the european year. those meetings shall also serve as opportunities to exchange information regarding the implementation of the european year at national and union level; representatives of the european parliament may participate in those meetings as observers , as may representatives designated by the committee of the regions.


### 1. the commission shall regularly convene meetings of the national coordinators in order to coordinate the running of the european year. those meetings shall also serve as opportunities to exchange information regarding the implementation of the european year at national and union level; representatives of the european parliament may participate in those meetings as observers. ### 1. the commission shall regularly convene meetings of the national coordinators in order to coordinate the running of the european year. those meetings shall be an opportunity to exchange information regarding the implementation of the european year at national and union level; representatives of the european parliament shall participate in those meetings.


### the commission shall convene regular meetings of stakeholders and representatives of organisations or bodies active in the field of rail transport , including existing transnational networks and relevant ngos , as well as of youth organisations and communities , to assist it in implementing the european year at union level. ### the commission shall convene regular meetings of stakeholders and representatives of organisations or bodies active in the field of rail transport , including existing transnational and trans regional networks , civil organizations and relevant ngos , as well as of youth organisations and communities , to assist it in implementing the european year at union level.


### (2) in its conclusions of 12 december 201916 , the european council endorsed the objective of achieving a climate-neutral european union by 2050. ### (2) in its conclusions of 12 december 201916 , the european council endorsed the objective of achieving a climate-neutral european union by 2050 , in line with the goals of the paris agreement.


### (3) in its resolution of 15 january 202017 , the european parliament welcomed the commission’s communication on ‘the european green deal’ and called for the necessary transition to a climate-neutral society by 2050 at the latest. ### (3) in its resolution of 15 january 202017 , the european parliament welcomed the commission’s communication on ‘the european green deal’ , underlying the urgent need for ambitious action to tackle climate change and environmental challenges , to limit global warming to 1.5c , to avoid massive loss of biodiversity and calling for the necessary transition to a climate-neutral society by 2050 at the latest. in its resolution , the european parliament also called to increase the eu's ambition , increasing the domestic ghg emissions reduction target for 2030 to 55 % compared to 1990 levels.


### (2) the transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy constitutes one of the most important policy objectives for the union. on 12 december 2019 , the european council endorsed the objective of achieving a climate-neutral union by 2050 , in line with the objectives of the paris agreement. while fighting climate change and environmental degradation will benefit all in the long term and provides opportunities and challenges for all in the medium term , not all regions and member states start their transition from the same point or have the same capacity to respond. some are more advanced than others , whereas the transition entails a wider social and economic impact for those regions that rely heavily on fossil fuels - especially coal , lignite , peat and oil shale - or greenhouse gas intensive industries. such a situation not only creates the risk of a variable speed transition in the union as regards climate action , but also of growing disparities between regions , detrimental to the objectives of social , economic and territorial cohesion. ### (2) the transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy constitutes one of the most important policy objectives for the union. on 12 december 2019 , the european council endorsed the objective of achieving a climate-neutral union by 2050 , in line with the objectives of the paris agreement. while fighting climate change and environmental degradation will benefit all in the long term and provides opportunities and challenges for all in the medium term , not all regions and member states start their transition from the same point or have the same capacity to respond. some are more advanced than others , whereas the transition entails a wider social and economic impact for those regions that rely heavily on fossil fuels - especially coal , lignite , peat and oil shale - or greenhouse gas intensive industries. such a situation not only creates the risk of a variable speed transition in the union as regards climate action , but also of growing disparities between regions , detrimental to the objectives of social , economic and territorial cohesion. in this context , special attention should be paid to the particular challenges that the impact of transitioning to climate neutrality will present for remote , island and geographically disadvantaged areas , and for areas with depopulation problems.


### (3) in order to be successful , the transition has to be fair and socially acceptable for all. therefore , both the union and the member states must take into account its economic and social implications from the outset , and deploy all possible instruments to mitigate adverse consequences. the union budget has an important role in that regard. ### (3) in order to be successful , the transition has to be fair and socially acceptable for all. a just climate and energy transition must not leave anyone behind and should create conditions to eradicate energy poverty. therefore , both the union and the member states must take into account its economic and social implications from the outset , and deploy all possible instruments to mitigate adverse consequences. the union budget has an important role in that regard.


### (7) the resources from the jtf should complement the resources available under cohesion policy. ### (7) the resources from the jtf should complement the resources available under cohesion policy. тhe transfer mechanism shall be flexible , in order to allow member states to assess the best way to allocate resources.


### (8) transitioning to a climate-neutral economy is a challenge for all member states. it will be particularly demanding for those member states that rely heavily on fossil fuels or greenhouse gas intensive industrial activities which need to be phased out or which need to adapt due to the transition towards climate neutrality and that lack the financial means to do so. the jtf should therefore cover all member states , but the distribution of its financial means should reflect the capacity of member states to finance the necessary investments to cope with the transition towards climate neutrality. ### (8) transitioning to a climate-neutral economy is a challenge for all member states. it will be particularly demanding for those member states that rely heavily on fossil fuels or greenhouse gas intensive industrial activities which need to be phased out or which need to adapt due to the transition towards climate neutrality and that lack the financial means to do so. in this context , special attention should be paid to the particular challenges that the transition to climate neutrality will present for remote , island and geographically disadvantaged areas , and for areas with depopulation problems. the jtf should therefore cover all member states , but the distribution of its financial means should reflect the capacity of member states to finance the necessary investments to cope with the transition towards climate neutrality.


### (10) this regulation identifies types of investments for which expenditure may be supported by the jtf. all supported activities should be pursued in full respect of the climate and environmental priorities of the union. the list of investments should include those that support local economies and are sustainable in the long-term , taking into account all the objectives of the green deal. the projects financed should contribute to a transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy. for declining sectors , such as energy production based on coal , lignite , peat and oil shale or extraction activities for these solid fossil fuels , support should be linked to the phasing out of the activity and the corresponding reduction in the employment level. as regards transforming sectors with high greenhouse gas emission levels , support should promote new activities through the deployment of new technologies , new processes or products , leading to significant emission reduction , in line with the eu 2030 climate objectives and eu climate neutrality by 205013while maintaining and enhancing employment and avoiding environmental degradation. particular attention should also be given to activities enhancing innovation and research in advanced and sustainable technologies , as well as in the fields of digitalisation and connectivity , provided that such measures help mitigate the negative side effects of a transition towards , and contribute to , a climate-neutral and circular economy. ### (10) this regulation identifies types of investments for which expenditure may be supported by the jtf. all supported activities should be pursued in full respect of the climate and environmental priorities of the union. the list of investments should include those that support local economies and are sustainable in the long-term , taking into account all the objectives of the green deal. the projects financed should contribute to a transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy. for declining sectors , such as energy production based on coal , lignite , peat and oil shale or extraction activities for these solid fossil fuels , support should be linked to the phasing out of the activity and the corresponding reduction in the employment level. as regards transforming sectors with high greenhouse gas emission levels , support should promote new activities through the deployment of new technologies , new processes or products , leading to significant emission reduction , in line with the eu 2030 climate objectives and eu climate neutrality by 205013 while maintaining and enhancing employment and avoiding environmental degradation. particular attention should also be given to activities enhancing innovation and research in advanced and sustainable technologies , as well as in the fields of digitalisation , connectivity and sustainable mobility , provided that such measures help mitigate the negative side effects of a transition towards , and contribute to , a climate-neutral and circular economy.