### the power to adopt the delegated acts is conferred on the commission subject to the conditions laid down in this article . 2 . the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 12 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of five years after [ … ] . the commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five - year period . the delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration , unless the european parliament or the council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period . 3 . the delegation of powers referred to in article 12 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision of revocation shall put an end to the delegation of the powers specified in that decision . it shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force . 4 . as soon as it adopts a delegated act , the commission shall notify it simultaneously to the european parliament and to the council . 5 . a delegated act adopted pursuant to article 12 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or the council . ### the power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the commission subject to the conditions laid down in this article . 2 . the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in article 12 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of three years after [ … ] . the commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the three - year period . the delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration , unless the european parliament or the council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period . 3 . the delegation of powers referred to in article 12 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision of revocation shall put an end to the delegation of the powers specified in that decision . it shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force . 4 . as soon as it adopts a delegated act , the commission shall notify the european parliament and the council thereof simultaneously . 5 . a delegated act adopted pursuant to article 12 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the european parliament or of the council .


### the power to adopt delegated acts in accordance with the article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be conferred to the commission in respect of measures needed to complement the action of the member states , in very specific and urgent situations , for the transnational aspects of the control of serious cross - border threats to health . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level , as far as the urgency of the situation allows it . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council . ### the commission should be given the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union in respect of the adoption of the procedures for coordination , the exchange of information and mutual consultation on preparedness and response planning , the adoption of procedures for the operation of the early warning and response system , the adoption of coordination procedures for the response of member states following an alert notification and the adoption of measures needed to complement the action of the member states , in very specific and urgent situations , for the transnational aspects of the control of serious cross - border threats to health . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level , as far as the urgency of the situation allows it . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure the simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of all relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council .


### the commission shall , by means of implementing acts , adopt the procedures necessary for the uniform implementation of the mutual information , consultation and coordination provided for in this article . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 20 . ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 21 with regard to the division of roles and responsibilities among the key actors in the coordination and procedures for reciprocal information , consultation and coordination referred to in this article .


### in this context , citizens should also be better informed of their rights as passengers travelling by any transport mode across the european union and of their consumer rights across borders . if they are confident that their rights as consumers are effectively protected , they will contribute more to the development of the european - wide market for goods and services to its full potential and better enjoy its benefits . in the same vein , citizens should be better informed about rules on general product safety and market surveillance , so as to be aware of how their health and their rights are protected throughout the eu , particularly when it comes to threats or risks that they cannot deal with as individuals . it would be further important to enhance citizens ' awareness of their rights to cross - border healthcare , so that they are able to fully benefit from safe and good quality healthcare across european borders . ### in this context , citizens should also be better informed of their rights as passengers travelling by any transport mode across the european union and of their consumer rights across borders . if they are confident that their rights as consumers have the highest level of protection , they will contribute more to the development of the european - wide market for goods and services to its full potential and better enjoy its benefits . in the same vein , citizens should be better informed about rules on general product safety and market surveillance , so as to be aware of how their health and their rights are protected throughout the eu , particularly when it comes to threats or risks that they cannot deal with as individuals . it would be further important to enhance citizens ' awareness of their rights to cross - border healthcare , so that they are able to fully benefit from safe and good quality healthcare across european borders .


### accordingly , the stockholm programme puts the citizen at the heart of european policies in the field of freedom , security and justice . it focuses its actions on ‘ building a citizen ' s europe’ , including by ensuring the full exercise of the citizens ' right to free movement . ### accordingly , the stockholm programme puts the citizen at the heart of european policies in the field of freedom , security and justice . it focuses its actions on ‘ building a citizen ' s europe’ , including by ensuring the full exercise of the citizens ' right to free movement and by safeguarding the existence of an area in which diversity is respected and the most vulnerable are protected .


### article 20 of the treaty provides for citizenship of the union as additional to national citizenship of the respective member states , stipulating that every person holding the nationality of a member state shall be a citizen of the union . the second paragraph of article 20 specifies that citizens of the union shall enjoy the rights and be subject to the duties provided for in the treaties , and that they shall have , inter alia , the right to move and reside freely within the territory of the member states . the right of union citizens to free movement and residence is further enshrined in article 21 of the treaty . ### article 20 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union provides for citizenship of the union as additional to national citizenship of the respective member states , stipulating that every person holding the nationality of a member state shall be a citizen of the union . article 20 tfeu specifies that citizens of the union shall enjoy the rights and be subject to the duties provided for in the treaties , and that they shall have , inter alia : the right to move and reside freely within the territory of the member states ; the right to vote and to stand as candidates in elections to the european parliament and in municipal elections in their member state of residence , under the same conditions as nationals of that state ; the right to enjoy , in the territory of a third country in which the member state of which they are nationals is not represented , the protection of the diplomatic and consular authorities of any member state on the same conditions as the nationals of that state ; the right to petition the european parliament , to apply to the european ombudsman , and to address the institutions and advisory bodies of the union in any of the treaty languages and to obtain a reply in the same language . the rights arising from citizenship of the union are further enshrined in articles 21 , 22 , 23 and 24 tfeu .


### the rights inherent to citizenship of the union are incorporated in the charter of fundamental rights of the european union . according to the charter ' s preamble , the union ' places the individual at the heart of its activities , by establishing a citizenship of the union and by creating an area of freedom , security and justice ' . chapter v of the charter sets down ' citizens ' rights ' , including , in its article 45 , the right of every citizen of the union to move and reside freely within the territory of the member states . ### the rights arising from citizenship of the union are incorporated in the charter of fundamental rights of the european union . according to the charter ' s preamble , the union ' places the individual at the heart of its activities , by establishing citizenship of the union and by creating an area of freedom , security and justice ' . chapter v of the charter sets out ' citizens ' rights ' , including : in its article 39 , the right to vote and stand as a candidate at elections to the european parliament ; in its article 40 , the right to vote and to stand as a candidate at municipal elections ; in its article 41 , the right to good administration ; in its article 42 , the right of access to documents ; in its article 43 , the right to refer to the european ombudsman cases of maladministration in the activities of the union institutions or bodies , with exception of the court of justice of the european union acting in its judicial role ; in its article 44 , the right to petition the european parliament ; in its article 45 , the right to move and reside freely within the territory of member states ; and in its article 46 , the right to diplomatic and consular protection .


### – to raise union citizens ' awareness of their right to move and reside freely within the european union and more generally the rights guaranteed to union citizens in cross - border situations , including their right to participate in the democratic life of the union ; ### – to inform union citizens that all rights arising from union citizenship are also guaranteed to them in cross - border situations when they decide to exercise their right to move and reside freely in another member state , including their right to participate in the democratic life of the union , by raising pan - european awareness , on core issues such as freedom , the rule of law , equality , solidarity and respect for human rights ;


### – conferences and events to promote debate and raise awareness of the importance and benefits of the right to free movement and residence and more generally citizens ' rights as union citizens ; ### – conferences and events to promote debate and raise awareness of the importance , the benefits and the obstacles to exercising the right to free movement and residence and more generally citizens ' rights as union citizens ;


### a european year of citizens in 2013 will provide a very timely opportunity to raise the awareness of the general public about the rights attached to union citizenship and thus to contribute to the objective of facilitating the exercise of the right to free movement . ### a european year of citizenship in 2013 will provide a very timely opportunity to raise the awareness of the general public about the rights attached to union citizenship and thus to contribute to the objective of facilitating participatory democracy and the exercise of all rights enshrined in union citizenship .


### – strengthening of the role and visibility of the multilingual europe direct and your europe web portal as key elements of a ' one - stop - shop ' information system on union citizens ' rights ; ### – strengthening of the role and visibility of the multilingual europe direct network , which entails almost 500 europe direct information centres in the union , providing a grassroots service that enables union citizens to obtain information , assistance and replies tailored to their needs about union law , programmes and funding opportunities ;


### – to raise union citizens ' awareness of their right to move and reside freely within the european union and more generally the rights guaranteed to union citizens in cross - border situations , including their right to participate in the democratic life of the union ; ### – to raise union citizens ' awareness of their right to move and reside freely within the european union and more generally the rights and principles guaranteed equally to all union citizens without any discrimination , especially in cross - border situations , including their right to participate in the democratic life of the union ;


### article 20 of the treaty provides for citizenship of the union as additional to national citizenship of the respective member states , stipulating that every person holding the nationality of a member state shall be a citizen of the union . the second paragraph of article 20 specifies that citizens of the union shall enjoy the rights and be subject to the duties provided for in the treaties , and that they shall have , inter alia , the right to move and reside freely within the territory of the member states . the right of union citizens to free movement and residence is further enshrined in article 21 of the treaty . ### article 20 of the treaty provides for citizenship of the union as additional to national citizenship of the respective member states , stipulating that every person holding the nationality of a member state shall be a citizen of the union . the second paragraph of article 20 specifies that citizens of the union shall enjoy the rights and be subject to the duties provided for in the treaties , and that they shall have , inter alia , the right to move and reside freely within the territory of the member states without any kind of discrimination . the right of union citizens to free movement and residence is further enshrined in article 21 of the treaty .


### in particular , free movement and workers ' mobility help addressing the consequences of demographic change on the labour market , while also increasing the employability of people and improving the competitiveness of european industries . at the same time , free movement either enables , as an essential condition , or stimulates the exercise by citizens of a broad range of rights available to them under union law , such as their rights as consumers to access goods and services or their rights as passengers and tourists . facilitating free movement has therefore the potential to enhance citizens ' possibilities to fully benefit from the single market , whilst being a key driver for growth . ### in particular , it is possible that free movement and workers ' mobility help address the consequences of demographic change on the labour market , while also increasing the employability of people and improving the competitiveness of european industries . at the same time , free movement either enables , as an essential condition , or stimulates the exercise by citizens of a broad range of rights arising under union law , such as their rights as consumers to access goods and services or their rights as passengers and tourists . facilitating free movement has therefore the potential to enhance citizens ' possibilities to fully benefit from the single market , whilst being a key driver for growth .


### despite the fact that the right to free movement and residence is firmly anchored in primary union law and substantially developed in secondary law , a gap still remains between the applicable legal rules and the reality confronting citizens when they seek to exercise this right in practice . aside from an uncertainty over the advantages of being mobile , union citizens perceive too many practical obstacles with regard to living and working elsewhere in the union . ### despite the fact that union citizenship rights are firmly anchored in primary union law and substantially developed in secondary law , a gap still remains between the applicable legal rules and the reality confronting citizens when they seek to exercise those rights in practice .


### measures in and in relation to third countries supported through this instrument should be taken in synergy and coherence with other actions outside the eu supported through union external assistance instruments , both geographic and thematic . in particular , in implementing such actions full coherence should be sought with the principles and general objectives of the union external action and foreign policy related to the country or region in question . they should not be intended to support actions directly development - oriented and they should complement , when appropriate , the financial assistance provided through external aid instruments . coherence will also be sought with the union humanitarian policy , in particular as regards the implementation of emergency measures . ### measures in and in relation to third countries supported through this instrument should be taken in synergy and coherence with other actions outside the eu supported through union external assistance instruments , both geographic and thematic . in particular , in implementing such actions full coherence should be sought with the principles and general objectives of the union external action and foreign policy related to the country or region in question . they should not be intended to support actions directly development - oriented and they should complement , when appropriate , the financial assistance provided through external aid instruments . coherence will also be sought with the union humanitarian policy , in particular as regards the implementation of emergency measures . to this end a working group should be set up by the commission in accordance with regulation no . . . . / 2012 [ horizontal regulation ] to ensure optimum coordination between the various european services and stakeholders .


### – staff cost ### – staff costs , including for training


### this instrument should be implemented in full respect of the rights and principles enshrined in the charter of fundamental rights of the european union . ### respecting the human rights of immigrants and refugees is of key importance for the union . the instrument should be implemented in full respect of the rights and principles enshrined in the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , the european convention for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms , the geneva convention relating to the status of refugees , the un convention on the law of the sea , un human rights treaties and international humanitarian law .


### ensuring the efficient and uniform application of the union’s acquis on borders and visas , including the functioning of the schengen evaluation and monitoring mechanism ; ### ensuring the efficient and uniform application of the union’s acquis on borders , asylum and visas , including the functioning of the schengen evaluation and monitoring mechanism ;


### when executing tasks at external borders and consulates in accordance with the schengen acquis on borders and visas , member states carry out activities in the interest of and on behalf of all other member states in the schengen area and thus performing a public service for the union . to express solidarity , the instrument should contribute to supporting operating costs related to border control and visa policy and enable member states to systematically maintain capabilities crucial for that service for all . such support consists of full reimbursement of a choice of costs related to the objectives under this instrument and will form an integral part of the national programmes . ### when executing tasks at external borders and consulates in accordance with the schengen acquis on borders and visas , member states carry out activities in the interest of and on behalf of all other member states in the schengen area and thus performing a public service for the union . to express solidarity in practice , the instrument should contribute to supporting operating costs related to border control and visa policy and enable member states to systematically maintain capabilities crucial for that service for all . such support should consist of full reimbursement of a choice of costs related to the objectives under this instrument and should form an integral part of the national programmes .


### to address immediately unforeseen migratory pressure and threats to border security it should be possible to provide emergency assistance in accordance with the framework set out in regulation … 2012 / eu laying down general provisions on the asylum and migration fund and on the instrument for financial support for police co - operation , preventing and combating crime , and crisis management . ### to address immediately unforeseen migratory pressure and challenges to border security it should be possible to provide emergency assistance in accordance with the framework set out in regulation no . . . / 2012 / eu laying down general provisions on the asylum and migration fund and on the instrument for financial support for police co - operation , preventing and combating organised crime , and crisis management .


### compliance with the union acquis on borders and visa ; ### compliance with the union acquis on borders , asylum and visa ;


### gradually establishing an integrated management system for external borders , including the reinforcement of interagency co - operation between migration and law enforcement authorities of member states at the external borders and measures within the territory and the necessary flanking measures related to document security and identity management ; ### gradually establishing an integrated management system for external borders , including the reinforcement of interagency co - operation between migration , asylum and law enforcement authorities of member states at the external borders and measures within the territory and the necessary flanking measures related to document security and identity management ;


### upon request from one or more national supervisory authorities , from the commission or on its own initiative and after having informed the national supervisory authority concerned , the authority may investigate the alleged incorrect application of community law . ### upon request from one or more national supervisory authorities , from the commission , from the european parliament , the council or a member of the insurance and occupational pensions stakeholder group , or on its own initiative and after having informed the national supervisory authority concerned , the authority may investigate the alleged incorrect application of union law .


### upon request from one or more national supervisory authorities , from the commission or on its own initiative and after having informed the national supervisory authority concerned , the authority may investigate the alleged incorrect application of community law . ### upon request from one or more competent authorities from the european parliament , the council , the commission or the insurance , reinsurance and occupational pensionsstakeholder group or on its own initiative and after having informed the national supervisory authority concerned , the authority may investigate the alleged breach or non - application of union law .


### without prejudice to the powers of the commission under article 226 of the treaty , where a national supervisory authority does not comply with the decision referred to in paragraph 4 of this article within the period of time specified therein , and where it is necessary to remedy in a timely manner the non compliance by the national supervisory authority in order to maintain or restore neutral conditions of competition in the market or ensure the orderly functioning and integrity of the financial system , the authority may , where the relevant requirements of the legislation referred to in article 1 are directly applicable to financial institutions , adopt an individual decision addressed to a financial institution requiring the necessary action to comply with its obligations under community law including the cessation of any practice . ### without prejudice to the powers of the commission under article 258 of the treaty , where a national supervisory authority does not comply with the decision referred to in paragraph 4 of this article within the period of time specified therein , and where it is necessary to remedy in a timely manner the non compliance by the national supervisory authority in order to maintain or restore neutral conditions of competition in the market or ensure the orderly functioning and integrity of the financial system , the authority shall , pursuant to the legislation referred to in article 1 , adopt an individual decision addressed to a financial institution requiring the necessary action to comply with its obligations under union law including the cessation of any practice .


### in the case of adverse developments which may seriously jeopardise the orderly functioning and integrity of financial markets or the stability of the whole or part of the financial system in the community , the commission , upon its own initiative or following a request by the authority , the council , or the esrb , may adopt a decision addressed to the authority , determining the existence of an emergency situation for the purposes of this regulation . ### in the case of adverse developments which may seriously jeopardise the orderly functioning and integrity of financial markets or the stability of the whole or part of the financial system in the community , the esrb , upon its own initiative or following a request by the authority , the council , the european parliament or the commission , may issue a warning declaring the existence of an emergency situation in order to enable the authority without further requirements to adopt the individual decisions referred to in paragraph 3 .


### before submitting them to the commission , the authority shall , where appropriate , conduct open public consultations on technical standards and analyse the potential related costs and benefits . ### before submitting them to the commission , the authority shall conduct open public consultations with all stakeholders and analyse the potential related costs and benefits , unless such consultations and analyses are disproportionate to the scope and impact of the technical standards concerned or to the particular urgency of the matter . the authority shall also request an opinion or advice of the insurance , reinsurance and occupational pensions stakeholder group referred to in article 22 .


### before submitting them to the commission , the authority shall , where appropriate , conduct open public consultations on technical standards and analyse the potential related costs and benefits . ### the authority shall conduct open public consultations on technical standards and analyse the potential related costs and benefits before adopting draft technical standards . the authority shall also request an opinion or advice of the insurance and occupational pensions stakeholder group referred to in article 22 .


### contribute to a consistent application of community legislation , in particular by contributing to a common supervisory culture , ensuring consistent , efficient and effective application of the legislation referred to in article 1 , preventing regulatory arbitrage , mediating and settling disagreements between national supervisory authorities , promoting a coherent functioning of colleges of supervisors and taking actions in emergency situations ; ### contribute to a consistent application of standards and legislation , in particular by contributing to a common supervisory culture , ensuring consistent , efficient and effective application of this regulation and the legislation referred to in article 1 , preventing regulatory arbitrage , mediating and settling disagreements between national supervisory authorities , ensuring a coherent functioning of colleges of supervisors and taking action , inter alia , in emergency situations ;


### the policy dialogue with relevant european stakeholders in the area of education , training and youth ; ### the policy dialogue with relevant european stakeholders in the area of education , training , youth and business ;


### the contract shall be effective at the latest from the time of the request for the final survey referred to in article 8 and until the recycling is completed . ### the contract shall be effective at the latest from the time of the successful completion of the final survey referred to in article 8 and until the recycling is completed .


### identify , at least , the hazardous materials referred to in annex i and contained in the structure or equipment of the ship , their location and approximate quantities . ### for new ships , identify , at least , the hazardous materials referred to in annex i and contained in the structure or equipment of the ship , their location and precise quantities .


### a ship - specific ship recycling plan shall be developed prior to any recycling of a ship . ### a ship - specific ship recycling plan shall be developed prior to any recycling of an existing ship . a ship - specific ship recycling plan shall be developed for each new ship before it is put into service .


### the hong kong convention provides explicitly for its parties to take more stringent measures consistent with international law , with respect to the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships , in order to prevent , reduce or minimise any adverse effects on human health and the environment . the establishment of a european list of ship recycling facilities fulfilling the requirements set out in this regulation would contribute to that objective as well as to better enforcement by facilitating the flag states’ control of ships going for recycling . those requirements for ship recycling facilities should be based on the requirements of the hong kong convention . ### the hong kong convention provides explicitly for its parties to take more stringent measures consistent with international law , with respect to the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships , in order to prevent , reduce or minimise any adverse effects on human health and the environment . the establishment of a european list of ship recycling facilities fulfilling the requirements set out in this regulation would contribute to that objective as well as to better enforcement by facilitating the flag states ' control of ships going for recycling . those requirements for ship recycling facilities should be based on the requirements of the hong kong convention in as much as these respect european environmental and labour standards .


### the approximation of national measures at union level , based on an agreement on accessibility requirements for public sector bodies ' websites , is necessary in order to put an end to fragmentation . it would reduce uncertainty for web - developers and would foster interoperability . by using accessibility requirements which are technology neutral , innovation will not be hampered and may possibly even be stimulated . ### the approximation of national measures at union level , based on an agreement on accessibility requirements for public sector bodies ' websites , is necessary in order to put an end to fragmentation . it would reduce uncertainty for web - developers and would foster interoperability . by using accessibility requirements which are technology neutral , innovation will not be hampered and may possibly even be stimulated . in particular , non - proprietary international standards should be adopted , covering both content production and the means used to catalogue and identify content .


### citizens should benefit from wider access to online public sector services and should receive services and information which will facilitate the enjoyment of their rights across the union , notably their right to move and reside freely within the territory of the union and their freedom of establishment and to provide services . ### citizens should benefit from wider access to online public sector services and should receive services and information which will facilitate their daily lives and the enjoyment of their rights across the union , notably their right to move and reside freely within the territory of the union and their freedom of establishment and to provide services .


### web - accessibility refers to principles and techniques to be observed when constructing websites in order to render the content of these websites accessible to all users , in particular people with functional limitations , including persons with disabilities . the content of websites includes textual as well as non - textual information , and also the downloading of forms and two - way interaction , e . g . the processing of digital forms , authentication , and transactions like case handling and payments . ### web - accessibility refers to principles and techniques to be observed when constructing websites in order to render the content of these websites accessible to all users , including persons with disabilities and elderly people . the content of websites includes textual as well as non - textual information , and also the downloading of forms and two - way interaction , e . g . the processing of digital forms , authentication , and transactions like case handling and payments .


### by derogation from paragraph 2 , the commission may , on grounds of exceptional economic circumstances or following a reasoned request by the member state concerned addressed to the commission within ten days of adoption of the council conclusions referred to in paragraph 1 , propose to reduce the amount of the fine or to cancel it . ### by derogation from paragraph 2 , the commission may , on grounds of exceptional economic circumstances or in order to take into account any cumulative effect of sanctions imposed in accordance with regulation no … / 2011 on speeding up and clarifying the implementation of the excessive deficit procedure and regulation no … / 2011 on the effective enforcement of budgetary surveillance in the euro area , within ten days of adoption of the council decision referred to in paragraph 1 , propose to reduce the amount of the fine .


### to help address such imbalances , a procedure laid down in legislation is necessary . ### to help address such imbalances , a more integrated economic and social approach and a procedure laid down in legislation is necessary .


### fines collected in accordance with article 3 of this regulation shall constitute other revenue , as referred to in article 311 of the treaty , and shall be distributed , in proportion to their share in the total gross national income of the eligible member states , between member states whose currency is the euro and which are not the subject of an excessive imbalance procedure within the meaning of regulation no [ … / … ] and do not have an excessive deficit as determined in accordance with article 126 of the treaty . ### fines collected in accordance with article 3 of this regulation shall constitute other revenue , as referred to in article 311 tfeu , and shall be used in support of achieving the union’s long - term investment and jobs objectives through a union ' s financial stability mechanism , in order to support the adjustment process of member states by providing finance strictly linked to economically viable , socially and environmentally sustainable investment .


### the procedure for the application of the fines on the member states which fail to take effective measures to correct macroeconomic imbalances should be construed in such a way that the application of the fine on those member states would be the rule and not the exception . ### the procedure for the application of the fines on the member states which fail to take effective measures to correct macroeconomic imbalances should be construed in such a way that the application of the fine on those member states would be fair and efficient .


### the power to adopt individual decisions for the application of the fine provided for in this regulation should be conferred on the council . as part of the coordination of the economic policies of the member states conducted within the council as specified in article 121 of the treaty , these individual decisions are an integral follow - up to the measures adopted by the council in accordance with article 121 of the treaty and regulation no [ … / … ] . ### the power to adopt individual decisions for the application of the fine provided for in this regulation should be conferred on the council , after consulting the european parliament . as part of the coordination of the economic policies of the member states conducted within the council as specified in article 121 tfeu , these individual decisions are an integral follow - up to the measures adopted by the council in accordance with article 121 and 148 tfeu and regulation no [ … / … ] .


### enforcement of regulation no [ … / … ] 4 should be strengthened by establishing fines for member states whose currency is the euro in case of repetitive non - compliance with the recommendations to address excessive macroeconomic imbalances . ### enforcement of regulation no [ … / … ] should be strengthened by establishing fines for member states whose currency is the euro in case of repeated unjustified non - compliance with the recommendations to address excessive macroeconomic imbalances whether deficit or surplus .


### enforcement of regulation no [ … / … ] should be strengthened by establishing fines for member states whose currency is the euro in case of repetitive non - compliance with the recommendations to address excessive macroeconomic imbalances . ### enforcement of regulation no [ … / … ] should be strengthened by establishing incentives as well as fines for member states whose currency is the euro in case of repetitive non - compliance with the recommendations to address excessive macroeconomic imbalances .


### by derogation from paragraph 2 , the commission may , on grounds of exceptional economic circumstances or following a reasoned request by the member state concerned addressed to the commission within ten days of adoption of the council conclusions referred to in paragraph 1 , propose to reduce the amount of the fine or to cancel it . ### by derogation from paragraph 2 , the commission may , on grounds of exceptional economic circumstances , or following a reasoned request by the member state concerned addressed to the commission or in order to take into account any cumulative effect of sanctions imposed in accordance with regulation no … / 2011 on speeding up and clarifying the implementation of the excessive deficit procedure and regulation no … / 2011 on the effective enforcement of budgetary surveillance in the euro area , within ten days of adoption of the council decision referred to in paragraph 1 , propose to reduce the amount of the fine .


### in particular , surveillance of the economic policies of the member states should be broadened beyond budgetary surveillance to prevent excessive macroeconomic imbalances and help the member states affected devise corrective plans before divergences become entrenched . this broadening should go in step with deepening of fiscal surveillance . ### in particular , surveillance of the economic policies of the member states should be broadened beyond budgetary surveillance to prevent excessive macroeconomic and social imbalances , help the member states affected devise corrective plans before divergences become entrenched , promote mutually reinforcing development strategies and facilitate monitoring the progress towards the union’s growth and jobs objectives . this broadening should go in step with deepening of fiscal surveillance .


### this regulation sets out a system of fines for effective correction of macroeconomic imbalances in the euro area . ### this regulation sets out a system of fines and incentives for effective correction of macroeconomic imbalances in the euro area .


### the collected fines should be distributed between member states whose currency is the euro which are neither the subject of an excessive imbalance procedure nor have an excessive deficit . ### the collected fines should be used in support of achieving the union’s long - term investment and jobs objectives through a union ' s financial stability mechanism , in order to support the adjustment process of member states by providing finance strictly linked to economically viable , socially and environmentally sustainable investment .


### in particular , surveillance of the economic policies of the member states should be broadened beyond budgetary surveillance to prevent excessive macroeconomic imbalances and help the member states affected devise corrective plans before divergences become entrenched . this broadening should go in step with deepening of fiscal surveillance . ### in particular , surveillance of the economic policies of the member states should be broadened beyond budgetary surveillance to prevent excessive macroeconomic imbalances and help the member states affected by either deficits or surpluses to devise corrective plans before divergences become entrenched . this broadening should go in step with a deepening of fiscal surveillance based on extensive studies of the general economic background in each country .


### fines ### incentives and fines


### this regulation sets out a system of fines for effective correction of macroeconomic imbalances in the euro area . ### this regulation sets out a system of incentives and fines for effective correction of macroeconomic imbalances in the euro area .


### by derogation from paragraph 2 , the commission may , on grounds of exceptional economic circumstances or following a reasoned request by the member state concerned addressed to the commission within ten days of adoption of the council conclusions referred to in paragraph 1 , propose to reduce the amount of the fine or to cancel it . ### by derogation from paragraph 2 , the commission may , on grounds of exceptional economic or social circumstances , major environmental disasters or following a reasoned request by the member state concerned addressed to the commission within ten days of adoption of the council conclusions referred to in paragraph 1 , propose to reduce the amount of the fine or to cancel it .


### there is a need to build upon the experience gained during the first decade of functioning of economic and monetary union . ### there is a need to build upon the experience gained during the first decade of functioning of economic and monetary union regarding macroeconomic and social imbalances .


### following the approval of the decision granting macro - financial assistance , the commission , acting in accordance with article 14 , shall agree the policy measures referred to in article 6 , , and with the beneficiary country . ### following the adoption of the delegated act on granting macro - financial assistance , the commission , acting in accordance with article 14 , shall agree in the memorandum of understanding the policy measures referred to in article 6 , , , and with the beneficiary country .


### biased and unrealistic macroeconomic and budgetary forecasts can considerably hamper the effectiveness of budgetary planning and consequently impair commitment to budgetary discipline . forecasts from independent bodies can provide unbiased and realistic macroeconomic forecasts . ### biased and unrealistic macroeconomic and budgetary forecasts can considerably hamper the effectiveness of budgetary planning and consequently impair commitment to budgetary discipline . forecasts from independent bodies can provide unbiased and more realistic macroeconomic forecasts .


### strong public finances are best ensured at the planning stage and gross errors should be identified as early as possible . member states should benefit not just from the setting of guiding principles and budgetary targets but also from a synchronised monitoring of their budgetary policies . ### sustainable public finances are best ensured at the planning stage and gross errors should be identified as early as possible . member states should benefit not just from the setting of guiding principles and budgetary targets but also from a synchronised monitoring of their budgetary policies .


### setting - up a common budgetary timeline for member states whose currency is the euro should better synchronize the key steps in the preparation of national budgets , thus contributing to the effectiveness of the european semester for budgetary policy coordination . adopting a common budgetary timeline should lead to stronger synergies by facilitating policy coordination among member states whose currency is the euro and ensure that the council and commission recommendations are appropriately integrated in the national process for budget adoption . ### setting - up a common budgetary timeline for member states whose currency is the euro should better synchronize the key steps in the preparation of national budgets , thus contributing to the effectiveness of the european semester for budgetary policy coordination . adopting a common budgetary timeline should : a ) lead to stronger synergies by facilitating policy coordination among member states whose currency is the euro ; b ) guarantee that budgetary policies will be aligned with the eu 2020 strategy and c ) ensure that the council and commission recommendations are appropriately integrated in the national process for budget adoption .


### as demonstrated by the sovereign debt crisis , and in particular by the need to put in place common financial backstops , member states whose currency is the euro share enhanced spillovers from their budgetary policy . each of the member states whose currency is the euro should consult the commission and other member states whose currency is the euro before the adoption of any major fiscal policy reform plans with potential spillover effects , so as to give the possibility for an assessment of possible impact for the euro area as a whole . they should consider their budgetary plans to be of common concern and submit them to the commission for monitoring purposes in advance of the plans becoming binding . the commission should be in a position , if necessary , to adopt an opinion on the draft budgetary plan , that the member state and in particular budgetary authorities should be invited to take into account in the process of the budget law adoption . such an opinion should ensure that union ' s policy guidance in the budgetary area is appropriately integrated in the national budgetary preparations . in particular , this opinion should include an assessment of whether or not the budgetary plans appropriately address the recommendations issued in the context of the european semester in the budgetary area . the commission should stand ready to present this opinion to the parliament of the member state concerned at its request . the extent to which this opinion has been taken into account should be part of the assessment , if and when the conditions are met , leading to the decision to place the concerned member state in excessive deficit procedure , where no follow - up to the early guidance from the commission should be considered as an aggravating factor . also , based on an overall assessment of the plans by the commission , the eurogroup should discuss the budgetary situation and prospects for the euro area . ### as demonstrated by the sovereign debt crisis , and in particular by the need to put in place common financial backstops , member states whose currency is the euro share enhanced spillovers from their budgetary policy . each of the member states whose currency is the euro should consult the commission and other member states whose currency is the euro before the adoption of any major fiscal policy reform plans with potential spillover effects , so as to give the possibility for an assessment of possible impact for the euro area as a whole . they should consider their budgetary plans to be of common concern and submit them to the commission for monitoring purposes in advance of the plans becoming binding . the commission should be in a position , if necessary , to adopt an opinion on the draft budgetary plan , that the member state and in particular budgetary authorities should be invited to take into account in the process of the budget law adoption . such an opinion should ensure that union ' s policy guidance is appropriately integrated in the national budgetary preparations . in particular , this opinion should include an assessment of whether or not the budgetary plans appropriately address the eu 2020 growth , employment and social targets as well as the recommendations issued in the context of the european semester . the commission should stand ready to present this opinion to the parliament of the member state concerned at its request . the extent to which this opinion has been taken into account should be part of the assessment , if and when the conditions are met , leading to the decision to place the concerned member state in excessive deficit procedure , where no follow - up to the early guidance from the commission should be considered as an aggravating factor . also , based on an overall assessment of the plans by the commission , the eurogroup should discuss the budgetary situation and prospects for the euro area .


### as demonstrated by the sovereign debt crisis , and in particular by the need to put in place common financial backstops , member states whose currency is the euro share enhanced spillovers from their budgetary policy . each of the member states whose currency is the euro should consult the commission and other member states whose currency is the euro before the adoption of any major fiscal policy reform plans with potential spillover effects , so as to give the possibility for an assessment of possible impact for the euro area as a whole . they should consider their budgetary plans to be of common concern and submit them to the commission for monitoring purposes in advance of the plans becoming binding . the commission should be in a position , if necessary , to adopt an opinion on the draft budgetary plan , that the member state and in particular budgetary authorities should be invited to take into account in the process of the budget law adoption . such an opinion should ensure that union ' s policy guidance in the budgetary area is appropriately integrated in the national budgetary preparations . in particular , this opinion should include an assessment of whether or not the budgetary plans appropriately address the recommendations issued in the context of the european semester in the budgetary area . the commission should stand ready to present this opinion to the parliament of the member state concerned at its request . the extent to which this opinion has been taken into account should be part of the assessment , if and when the conditions are met , leading to the decision to place the concerned member state in excessive deficit procedure , where no follow - up to the early guidance from the commission should be considered as an aggravating factor . also , based on an overall assessment of the plans by the commission , the eurogroup should discuss the budgetary situation and prospects for the euro area . ### as demonstrated by the sovereign debt crisis , and in particular by the need to put in place common financial backstops , member states whose currency is the euro share enhanced spillovers from their budgetary , and macro - economic policy . each of the member states whose currency is the euro should consult the commission and other member states whose currency is the euro before the adoption of any major fiscal policy reform plans with potential spillover effects , so as to give the possibility for an assessment of possible impact for the euro area as a whole , including social and environmental impact . they should consider their budgetary plans to be of common concern and submit them to the commission for monitoring purposes in advance of the plans becoming binding . the commission should be in a position , if necessary , to adopt an opinion on the draft budgetary plan , that the member state and in particular budgetary authorities should be invited to take into account in the process of the budget law adoption . such an opinion should ensure that union ' s policy guidance given in the european semester is appropriately integrated in the national budgetary preparations . in particular , this opinion should include an assessment of whether or not the budgetary plans appropriately address the recommendations issued in the context of the european semester . the commission should stand ready to present this opinion to the parliament of the member state concerned at its request . the extent to which this opinion has been taken into account should be part of the assessment , if and when the conditions are met , leading to the decision to place the concerned member state in excessive deficit procedure , where no follow - up to the early guidance from the commission should be considered as an aggravating factor . also , based on an overall assessment of the plans by the commission , the eurogroup should discuss the budgetary situation and prospects for the euro area .


### the executive director shall forward annually to the budgetary authority any information relevant to the outcome of the evaluation procedures . ### the executive director shall forward annually to the budgetary authority any information regarding the outcome of the evaluation procedures .


### before appointment , the candidate selected by the management board may be invited to make a statement before the competent committee of the european parliament and answer questions from its / their members . ### before appointment , the candidate selected by the management board may be invited to make a statement before the competent committee of the european parliament and answer questions from its / their members . its / their opinion , if any , shall be considered before appointment .


### each member state , each country associated with the implementation , application and development of the schengen acquis and the eurodac related measures as well as the commission shall appoint one member to each of the advisory groups for a three - year term , which may be renewed ; ### each member state , each country associated with the implementation , application and development of the schengen acquis and the eurodac related measures as well as the commission shall appoint one member to one of the three advisory groups for a three - year term , which may be renewed , on a rotating basis ;


### maritime spatial planning and integrated coastal zone management , both of which provide a fundamental tool for eco - system based management and sustainable development of marine areas and coastal regions ; ### maritime spatial planning and integrated coastal zone management , both of which provide a fundamental tool for eco - system based management and sustainable development of marine areas , coastal regions and islands , with a particular emphasis on those areas that are most vulnerable to climate change ;


### union funding should be designed to support exploratory work on actions which aim to promote the strategic objectives of the integrated maritime policy , including the integrated maritime governance at all levels , the further development and implementation of integrated sea - basin strategies tailored to the specific needs of europe’s different sea basins , the definition of the boundaries of sustainability of human activities in the framework of the marine strategy framework directive , which constitutes the environmental pillar of the integrated maritime policy , paying due attention to their cumulative impacts , on the basis of the ecosystem approach , the further involvement of stakeholders in integrated maritime governance schemes , the further development of cross - cutting tools for integrated policy - making , the promotion of the international dimension of the integrated maritime policy , and sustainable economic growth , employment , innovation and competitiveness . ### union funding should be designed to support exploratory work on actions which aim to promote the strategic objectives of the integrated maritime policy , including the integrated maritime governance at all levels , the further development and implementation of integrated sea - basin strategies tailored to the specific needs of europe’s different sea basins , the definition of the boundaries of sustainability of human activities in the framework of the marine strategy framework directive , which constitutes the environmental pillar of the integrated maritime policy , paying due attention to their cumulative impacts , on the basis of the ecosystem approach , the further involvement of stakeholders in integrated maritime governance schemes , the further development of cross - cutting tools for integrated policy - making , the development of standards for the fair distribution of maritime exploitation rights , taking particular account of the special nature of the fishing industry and the fact that it is frequently disadvantaged by competing interests , the promotion of the international dimension of the integrated maritime policy , and sustainable economic growth , employment , innovation and competitiveness .


### promote the establishing cross - sectoral cooperation platforms and networks , including interests from industry , research stakeholders , regions , public authorities and ngos ; ### promote the establishing cross - sectoral cooperation platforms and networks , including representatives from industry , research stakeholders , regions , public authorities and ngos , whilst advancing responsible practices to all activities relating to the imp ;


### facilitate the exploitation of synergies , sharing of information and exchange of best practices on maritime policy , including its governance and sectoral policies that have an impact on regional seas and coastal regions or ### facilitate the exploitation of synergies , sharing of information and exchange of best practices on maritime policy , including its governance and sectoral policies that have an impact on regional seas and coastal regions , and in particular areas heavily dependent on fisheries and related maritime activities or


### integrated projects referred to in article 18 point shall involve , where appropriate , stakeholders and promote , when possible , the coordination with and mobilisation of other union funding sources . the commission shall ensure geographical balance in line with the principles of solidarity and effort sharing in the award process for integrated projects . the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 30 concerning criteria for the application of geographical balance in each thematic area referred to in article 18 point . ### integrated projects referred to in article 18 point shall involve stakeholders and promote the coordination with and mobilisation of other union funding sources . the commission shall ensure geographical balance in line with the principles of solidarity and effort sharing in the award process for integrated projects . in this endeavour : the commission shall ensure that each member state , throughout the entire programming period and provided that the conditions referred to in paragraph 1 are met , receives funding for at least one integrated project for the area of nature , at least one integrated project in the area of climate adaptation or mitigation and at least one integrated project in one of the other areas identified in article 8a ; the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 30 concerning the setting out of specific thematic , pan - european distributional targets , applicable to the integrated projects for the programming period . the commission shall take into account those thematic distributional targets in the award process for the integrated projects as part of the evaluation of the eligibility criterion referred to in point of paragraph 1 .


### vat shall not be considered an eligible cost for projects referred to in article 18 . ### vat shall , in principle , not be considered an eligible cost for projects referred to in article 18 . vat amounts shall be eligible where they are not recoverable under national vat legislation and are paid by a beneficiary other than a non - taxable person within the meaning of the first subparagraph of article 13 of directive 2006 / 112 / ec .


### the maximum co - financing rate for the projects referred to in article 18 shall be 70% of eligible costs . by way of exception , the maximum co - financing rate for projects referred to in article 18 points and shall be 80% of eligible costs . ### the maximum co - financing rate for the projects referred to in article 18 shall be 50 % of eligible costs . by way of exception , the maximum co - financing rate for projects referred to in article 18 points and shall be 60 % of eligible costs . less developed regions , as defined in regulation no &#8230 ; / &#8230 ; [ common provisions regulation ] , shall be entitled to an increased rate of up to 75 % of eligible costs .


### in order to secure the best possible use of union funds and to ensure european added value , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of eligibility criteria for project selection , criteria for the application of geographical balance to “integrated projects” , and performance indicators applicable to specific thematic priorities . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council . ### in order to secure the best possible use of union funds and to ensure european added value , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of the adoption and , where appropriate , the revision of multiannual work programmes , the establishment of additional criteria for the application of geographical balance to “integrated projects” , the extension of the scope of and the modification of the maximum allocation for “integrated projects” and the establishment of performance indicators applicable to specific thematic priorities . it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council .


### the commission shall adopt multiannual work programmes for the life programme . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 29 . ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 30 concerning the adoption of multiannual work programmes for the life programme .


### in accordance with their respective responsibilities , the commission and the member states shall ensure coordination between the life programme and the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development , and the european maritime and fisheries fund , in order to create synergies , particularly in the context of integrated projects referred to in article 18 point , and to support the use of solutions , methods and approaches developed under the life programme . at union level , coordination shall take place within the common strategic framework referred to in article 10 of regulation no… . . ### in accordance with their respective responsibilities , the commission and the member states shall ensure , where appropriate , coordination between the life programme and the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development , and the european maritime and fisheries fund , in order to create synergies , particularly in the context of integrated projects referred to in article 18 point and also through the establishment of prioritised action frameworks referred to in article 8 of directive 92 / 43 / eec , and to support the use of solutions , methods and approaches developed under the life programme . at union level , coordination shall take place within the common strategic framework referred to in article 10 of regulation no . . . . .


### environmental and climate requirements should be integrated into union ' s policies and activities . the life programme should therefore be complementary to other union funding programmes , including the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund , the european agriculture guarantee fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development , the european maritime and fisheries fund , and horizon 2020 . the commission and member states should ensure such complementarity at all levels . at union level , complementarity should be ensured by establishing a structured cooperation between the life programme and the shared - management union funding programmes in the common strategic framework , in particular to promote funding of activities that complement integrated projects or support the use of solutions , methods and approaches developed under the life programme . the life programme should also encourage the uptake of environmental and climate - related research and innovation results of horizon 2020 . within this context it should offer co - funding opportunities for projects with clear environmental and climate benefits in order to ensure synergies . coordination is required to prevent double funding . ### environmental and climate requirements should be integrated into union ' s policies and activities . the life programme should therefore be complementary to other union funding programmes , including the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund , the european agriculture guarantee fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development , the european maritime and fisheries fund , and horizon 2020 . the commission and member states should ensure such complementarity at all levels . at union level , complementarity should be ensured by establishing a structured cooperation between the life programme and the shared - management union funding programmes in the common strategic framework , in particular to promote funding of activities that complement integrated projects or support the use of solutions , methods and approaches developed under the life programme . to ensure legal clarity and practical feasibility of life integrated projects , cooperation between other union funds and integrated projects should be explicitly provided for in regulation no … / … [ the common provisions regulation ] 1 . specific arrangements should be put in place to establish cooperation at an early stage , so that the advantages of integrated projects are taken into account during the drawing up of partnership contracts and operational or rural development programmes . the life programme should also encourage the uptake of environmental and climate - related research and innovation results of horizon 2020 . within this context it should offer co - funding opportunities for projects with clear environmental and climate benefits in order to ensure synergies . coordination is required to prevent double funding . _______________ 1 com0615 .


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


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


### in accordance with their respective responsibilities , the commission and the member states shall ensure coordination between the life programme and the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development , and the european maritime and fisheries fund , in order to create synergies , particularly in the context of integrated projects referred to in article 18 point , and to support the use of solutions , methods and approaches developed under the life programme . at union level , coordination shall take place within the common strategic framework referred to in article 10 of regulation no… . . ### in accordance with their respective responsibilities , the commission and the member states in an active and concerted effort shall ensure coordination between the life programme and the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development , and the european maritime and fisheries fund , in order to create synergies , particularly in the context of integrated projects referred to in article 18 point and also through the establishment of prioritised action frameworks referred to in article 8 of directive 92 / 43 / eec , and to support the use of solutions , methods and approaches developed under the life programme . at union level , coordination shall take place within the common strategic framework referred to in article 10 of regulation no… . .


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


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


### in order to improve the implementation of environmental and climate policy and enhance the integration of environmental and climate objectives in other policies , the life programme should promote projects that support integrated approaches to the implementation of environmental and climate legislation and policy . for the sub - programme for environment , those projects should focus primarily on the implementation of the union biodiversity strategy to 2020 , with particular regard to the effective management and consolidation of the natura2000 network set up by council directive 92 / 43 / eec through the implementation of prioritised action frameworks foreseen in article 8 of the same directive , of directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for the community action in the field of water policy , and of the waste and air legislation . those projects , while focusing on the themes identified , will be multi - purpose delivery mechanism allowing to reach results in other policy areas , in particular directive 2008 / 56 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 17 june 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy . those types of projects could be envisaged in other environmental areas . for the sub - programme for climate action , those projects should in particular concern climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies and action plans . those types of projects should support only a series of specific activities and measures , while other activities that complement those included in the project should be sourced from other union funding programmes , as well as from national , regional and private sector funds . funding through the life programme should exploit synergies and ensure consistency between different union funding sources by providing a strategic environmental and climate focus . ### in order to improve the implementation of environmental and climate policy and enhance the integration of environmental and climate objectives in other policies , the life programme should promote projects that support integrated approaches to the implementation of environmental and climate legislation and policy . for the sub - programme for environment , those projects should focus primarily on the implementation of the union biodiversity strategy to 2020 , with particular regard to the effective management and consolidation of the natura2000 network set up by council directive 92 / 43 / eec through the implementation of prioritised action frameworks foreseen in article 8 of the same directive , of directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for the community action in the field of water policy , and of the waste and air legislation . those projects , while focusing on the themes identified , will be multi - purpose delivery mechanism allowing to reach results in other policy areas , in particular directive 2008 / 56 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 17 june 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy . those types of projects could be envisaged in other environmental areas . for the sub - programme for climate action , those projects should in particular concern climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies and action plans . those types of projects should support only a series of specific activities and measures , while other activities that complement those included in the project should be sourced from other union funding programmes , as well as from national , regional and private sector funds . funding through the life programme should exploit synergies and ensure consistency between different union funding sources by providing a strategic environmental and climate focus . integrated projects will benefit other funds by increasing their absorption capacity for environment - related and climate - related expenditure . given the novelty and the lack of broad experience with the ' integrated project ' approach , stakeholders should , when needed , be supported through an increased co - funding rate and technical assistance for the preparation phase . in addition , a two - step selection procedure should alleviate the application phase . exchanges concerning successful integrated approaches should be facilitated , involving all relevant sectors of administration and stakeholders . based on experience of the first programming years , the factors determining the smooth functioning and success of integrated projects should be analysed . based on that analysis and depending on funding available , additional areas might be added to the scope of integrated projects .


### - biodiversity ; ### - nature and biodiversity ;


### in accordance with their respective responsibilities , the commission and the member states shall ensure coordination between the life programme and the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development , and the european maritime and fisheries fund , in order to create synergies , particularly in the context of integrated projects referred to in article 18 point , and to support the use of solutions , methods and approaches developed under the life programme . at union level , coordination shall take place within the common strategic framework referred to in article 10 of regulation no… . . ### in accordance with their respective responsibilities , the commission and the member states shall in an active and concerted effort endeavour to promote coordination between the life programme and the european regional development fund , the european social fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development , and the european maritime and fisheries fund , in order to create synergies , particularly in the context of integrated projects referred to in article 18 point , and to support the use of solutions , methods and approaches developed under the life programme . at union level , coordination shall take place within the common strategic framework referred to in article 10 of regulation no . . . . .


### ‘ integrated projects’ mean projects implementing in a sustainable manner , on a large territorial scale , in particular , regional , multi - regional or national scale , environmental or climate strategies or action plans required by specific environmental or climate union legislation , pursuant to other union acts or developed by member states ' authorities ; ### ' integrated projects ' mean projects implementing in a sustainable manner , taking into account environmental and climate union legislation and policy , primarily in the areas of nature , water , waste , air and climate change mitigation and adaptation , on a large territorial scale , in particular , regional , multi - regional , national or trans - national scale , environmental or climate strategies or action plans required by specific environmental or climate union legislation , pursuant to other union acts or developed by member states ' authorities . integrated projects aim at promoting coordination with and mobilisation of other relevant union funding sources ;


### the maximum co - financing rate for the projects referred to in article 18 shall be 70% of eligible costs . by way of exception , the maximum co - financing rate for projects referred to in article 18 points and shall be 80% of eligible costs . ### the maximum co - financing rate for the projects referred to in article 18 shall be 65% - 80% of eligible costs . by way of exception : - the maximum co - financing rate for projects referred to in article 18 points and shall be 80% of eligible costs : - the maximum co - financing rate for life nature and biodiversity may be up to 75% of eligible costs for projects concerning priority habitats and species , in accordance with the directive 92 / 43 / eec , or the species of birds considered as a priority for funding by the committee set up pursuant article 16 of directive 79 / 409 / eec when this is necessary to achieve the conservation objective .


### specific objectives for the priority area biodiversity ### specific objectives for the priority area nature and biodiversity


### “integrated projects” mean projects implementing in a sustainable manner , on a large territorial scale , in particular , regional , multi - regional or national scale , environmental or climate strategies or action plans required by specific environmental or climate union legislation , pursuant to other union acts or developed by member states ' authorities ; ### “integrated projects” mean projects implementing in a sustainable manner , on a large territorial scale , in particular , regional , multi - regional , national or transnational scale , environmental or climate strategies or action plans required by specific environmental or climate union legislation , pursuant to other union acts or developed by member states ' authorities . they aim at integrating environmental and climate policy into other policies , especially by promoting a coordinated mobilisation of other union , national and private funds towards environmental or climate objectives and towards major implementation challenges ;


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


### the financial envelope for implementing the life programme shall be eur 3 618 000 000 . ### the financial envelope for implementing the life programme shall be eur [ . . . ]


### at least 50% of the budgetary resources allocated to projects supported by way of action grants under the sub - programme for environment shall be dedicated to projects supporting the conservation of nature and biodiversity . ### at least 60% of the budgetary resources allocated to projects supported by way of action grants under the sub - programme for environment shall be dedicated to projects supporting the conservation of nature and biodiversity .


### in doing so , the life programme shall contribute to sustainable development and the achievement of the europe 2020 strategy ' s objectives and targets . ### in doing so , the life programme shall contribute to sustainable development and the achievement of the objectives and targets of the europe 2020 strategy , the union biodiversity strategy to 2020 , the roadmap to a resource efficient europe and the roadmap 2050 .


### integrated projects referred to in article 18 point shall involve , where appropriate , stakeholders and promote , when possible , the coordination with and mobilisation of other union funding sources . ### integrated projects referred to in article 18 point shall be accessible to and involve , where appropriate , stakeholders and promote the coordination with and mobilisation of other union funding sources .


### integrated projects primarily in the areas of nature , water , waste , air , and climate change mitigation and adaptation ; ### integrated projects ;


### the maximum co - financing rate for the projects referred to in article 18 shall be 70% of eligible costs . by way of exception , the maximum co - financing rate for projects referred to in article 18 points and shall be 80% of eligible costs . ### the maximum co - financing rate for the projects referred to in article 18 shall be 70% of eligible costs . by way of exception : - the maximum co - financing rate for projects referred to in article 18 points and shall be 80% of eligible costs ; - the maximum co - financing rate for life nature and biodiversity may be up to 75% of eligible costs in the case of projects concerning priority habitats or species as defined in directive 92 / 43 / eec or the species of birds considered as a priority for funding by the committee set up pursuant article 16 of directive 2009 / 147 / eec ; - the maximum co - financing rate may be up to 75% for species and habitats defined in directive 92 / 43 / eec showing unfavourable conservation status in accordance with the latest assessment .


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


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


### in order to carry out its role in the initiation of environmental and climate policy development and implementation , the commission should use resources from the life programme to support the initiation , implementation and mainstreaming of union environmental and climate policy and legislation , including the purchase of services and goods . financial resources allocated to communication activities under this regulation shall also cover corporate communication on the political priorities of the union . ### in order to carry out its role in the initiation of environmental and climate policy development and implementation , the commission should use resources from the life programme to support the initiation , implementation and mainstreaming of union environmental and climate policy and legislation , including the purchase of services and goods . concrete measures should be taken to encourage sme participation in these calls for tender . financial resources allocated to communication activities under this regulation shall also cover corporate communication on the political priorities of the union .


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


### the consumer , before agreeing to a suggested solution , is informed that : ### the parties , before agreeing to a proposed solution , are informed of the rights they are entitled to under applicable legal provisions and that they :


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


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


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


### adr procedures should be free of charge or of moderate costs for consumers so that it remains economically reasonable for consumers to use such procedures . ### adr procedures should be free of charge . in the event that costs are applied , they should be reasonable , proportionate and modest to ensure that the adr procedure is accessible , attractive and at a low cost for consumers .


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


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


### the need for the physical presence of the parties or of their representatives , if applicable ; and ### the need for the physical presence of the parties or of their representatives , if applicable , including a statement by the adr entity on whether the adr procedure is or can be conducted as an oral or a written procedure ;


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