### development of physical capital , the improvement of connections with union and regional networks . ### development of physical capital , the improvement of connections with union infrastructures and regional networks .


### the transition process towards union membership and capacity building ; ### the transition process towards union membership , citizens ' awareness of the european union and capacity building ;


### the strategy papers shall be reviewed at mid - term and revised as appropriate . they may be revised at any time at the initiative of the commission . ### the strategy papers shall be reviewed at mid - term and revised as appropriate . they may be revised at any time at the initiative of the commission . the european parliament shall be empowered to ask the commission to revise the strategy papers . in the event of a negative response , the commission shall provide a full explanation .


### the union ' s objective of ensuring a high level of security within an area of freedom , security and justice of the treaty on the functioning of the union ) should be achieved , inter alia , through common measures on the crossing of internal borders by persons and border control at external borders and the common visa policy as part of a multi - layer system aimed at facilitating legitimate travel and tackling illegal immigration . ### the union ' s objective of offering its citizens an area of freedom , security and justice without internal frontiers , in which the free movement of persons is ensured of the treaty on european union ) , should be achieved through solidarity and fair sharing of responsibility between member states and through common measures , inter alia , relating to the crossing of internal borders by persons and border control at external borders and the common visa policy as part of a multi - layer system aimed at facilitating legitimate travel and regular immigration , while fighting against organised crime and trafficking in human beings and , article 71 and article 80 of the treaty on the functioning of the union ) ;


### solidarity among member states , clarity about the division of tasks , respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law as well as a strong focus on the global perspective and the inextricable link with external security should be key principles guiding the implementation of the internal security strategy . ### solidarity among member states , burden - sharing , clarity about the division of tasks , respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights and the rule of law as well as a strong focus on the global perspective and the inextricable link with external security should be key principles guiding the implementation of the internal security strategy .


### 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 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 .


### 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 .


### 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 .


### 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 and complementarity will also be sought with the union humanitarian policy , in particular as regards the implementation of emergency measures .


### supporting a common visa policy to facilitate legitimate travel , ensure equal treatment of third country nationals and tackle irregular migration ### supporting a common visa policy to facilitate legitimate travel , ensure equal and decent treatment of third - country nationals and tackle irregular migration .


### following a schengen evaluation report , as adopted in accordance with the regulation on the establishment of an evaluation and monitoring mechanism to verify the application of the schengen acquis , the member state concerned shall examine , together with the commission and the frontex agency , where appropriate , how to address the findings and implement the recommendations within the framework of its national programme . ### following a schengen evaluation report , as adopted in accordance with the regulation on the establishment of an evaluation and monitoring mechanism to verify the application of the schengen acquis , the member state concerned shall examine , together with the commission and the frontex agency , where appropriate , how to address the deficiencies and implement the recommendations within the framework of its national programme .


### in dialogue with the commission and the frontex agency , where appropriate , it shall reallocate resources under its programme , including , where necessary , those programmed for operating support , and / or introduce or amend actions aiming to remedy the weaknesses in accordance with the findings and recommendations of the schengen evaluation report . ### particular attention shall be paid to the financing of corrective actions . in dialogue with the commission and the frontex agency , where appropriate , the member state concerned shall reallocate resources under its programme , including , where necessary , those programmed for operating support , and / or introduce or amend actions aiming to remedy the weaknesses in accordance with the findings and recommendations of the schengen evaluation report . any additional costs shall be eligible for financing under the instrument .


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


### in addition to its core mission of financing investment in the union , the european investment bank undertakes financing operations outside the union in support of the union ' s external policies . this allows the budget funds of the union available to the external regions to be complemented by the financial strength of the eib for the benefit of the targeted third countries . in undertaking such financing operations , the eib contributes to the general principles and policy objectives of the union . ### in addition to its core mission of financing investment in the union , the european investment bank undertakes financing operations outside the union in support of the union ' s external policies . this allows the budget funds of the union available to the external regions to be complemented by the financial strength of the eib for the benefit of the targeted third countries . in undertaking such financing operations , the eib contributes to , supports and complements the external actions of the eu by paying full respect to the general principles and policy objectives of the union as stated in article 21 teu .


### with a view to supporting union external action , and in order to enable the eib to finance investments outside the union without affecting the credit standing of the eib , the majority of its operations outside the union have benefited from an eu budgetary guarantee administered by the commission . ### with a view to supporting union external action , and in order to enable the eib to finance investments outside the union without affecting the credit standing of the eib , the majority of its operations outside the union have benefited from an eu budgetary guarantee administered by the commission . it is of high importance that the eib maintains its triple - a rating .


### in order to reflect significant policy developments , the list of countries actually eligible for eib financing operations under the eu guarantee should be reviewed as appropriate and the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 tfeu should be delegated to the commission in respect of amendments to annex iii to this decision . 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 council . ### in order to reflect significant policy developments , the list of countries actually eligible for eib financing operations under the eu guarantee should be reviewed as appropriate and the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 tfeu should be delegated to the commission in respect of amendments to annex iii to this decision . 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 all relevant documents to the european parliament and council .


### the eib should continue to finance investment projects in the areas of social , environmental and economic infrastructure , and should consider increasing its activity in support of health and education infrastructure when there is clear added value in doing so . ### the eib should continue to finance investment projects in the areas of social , environmental , economic and transport infrastructure , and should consider increasing its activity in support of health and education infrastructure when there is clear added value in doing so .


### the eib should also continue to finance investment projects in support of climate change mitigation and adaptation , to further the promotion of the union ' s climate goals on a global scale . ### the eib should also increase its financing of investment projects in support of climate change mitigation and adaptation , in particular in the arctic region , to further the promotion of the union ' s climate goals on a global scale .


### the practical measures for linking the general objectives of the eu guarantee and their implementation are to be set out in regional technical operational guidelines . such guidelines should be consistent with the wider union regional policy framework . the regional technical operational guidelines should be reviewed and further updated following the review of this decision in order to adapt to the developments in the union external policies and priorities . ### the practical measures for linking the general objectives of the eu guarantee and their implementation are to be set out in regional technical operational guidelines . such guidelines should be consistent with the wider union regional policy framework . the regional technical operational guidelines should be reviewed and further updated following the review of this decision in order to reflect the developments in the union external policies and its priorities .


### the eib activity under this decision should support the agenda for change proposed by the commission and be coherent with the relevant principles of the european consensus on development and the principles of aid effectiveness outlined in the paris declaration of 2005 , the accra agenda for action of 2008 and the busan partnership agreement of 2011 . furthermore , it should be coherent with the eu strategic framework and action plan on human rights and democracy adopted by the council on 25 june 2012 and international environmental agreements including biodiversity commitments . it should be implemented through a number of concrete measures , in particular by reinforcing the eib ' s capacity to appraise environmental , social and development aspects of investment projects , including human rights and conflict - related risks , and by promoting local consultation with public authorities and civil society . in this context , the eib should implement and further develop its results measurement framework which provides a detailed set of performance indicators measuring the economic , environmental , social , and development impact of its financing operations throughout the lifecycle of the underlying investment . the implementation of the rem should be evaluated as part of the mid - term review of this decision . when carrying out due diligence in respect of an investment project , the eib should , where appropriate and in line with the union ' s social and environmental principles , require the investment project promoter to carry out local consultations and disclose their results to the public . eib financing agreements involving public counterparts should explicitly include the possibility to suspend disbursements in case of revocation of eligibility under this decision of the country in which the investment project takes place . ### the eib activity under this decision should support the agenda for change proposed by the commission and be coherent with the relevant principles of the european consensus on development and the principles of aid effectiveness outlined in the paris declaration of 2005 , the accra agenda for action of 2008 and the busan partnership agreement of 2011 . furthermore , it should be coherent with the eu strategic framework and action plan on human rights and democracy adopted by the council on 25 june 2012 and international environmental agreements including biodiversity commitments . it should be implemented through a number of concrete measures , in particular by reinforcing the eib ' s capacity to appraise environmental , social , development and economic aspects of investment projects , including explicitly human rights , fundamental freedoms and conflict - related risks , and by promoting local consultation with public authorities and civil society . in this context , the eib should implement and further develop its results measurement framework which provides a detailed set of performance indicators measuring the economic , environmental , social , and development impact of its financing operations throughout the lifecycle of the underlying investment . the implementation of the rem should be evaluated as part of the mid - term review of this decision . when carrying out due diligence in respect of an investment project , the eib should in line with the union ' s human rights , social and environmental principles , require the investment project promoter to carry out local consultations with all stakeholders concerned and disclose their results to the public . eib financing agreements involving public counterparts should explicitly include the possibility to suspend disbursements in case of revocation of eligibility under this decision of the country in which the investment project takes place .


### at all levels , from upstream strategic planning to downstream investment project development , it should be ensured that eib financing operations comply with and support union external policies and the general objectives set out in this decision . with a view to increasing the coherence of union external action , dialogue on policy and strategy should be further strengthened between the commission and the eib , including the european external action service . the memorandum of understanding to be revised in 2013 to enhance cooperation and early mutual exchange of information between the commission and the eib at operational level should continue to be applied . it is of particular importance to have an early exchange of views between the commission and the eib , including the eeas , as appropriate , in the process of preparing programming documents in order to maximise synergies between their activities . the cooperation in relation to the respect of human rights and conflict prevention issues should also be reinforced . ### at all levels , from upstream strategic planning to downstream investment project development , it should be ensured that eib financing operations comply with and support union external policies and the general objectives set out in this decision . with a view to increasing the coherence of union external action , dialogue on policy and strategy should be further strengthened between the commission and the eib , including the european external action service , while keeping the european parliament duly informed . the memorandum of understanding to be revised in 2013 to enhance cooperation and early mutual exchange of information between the commission and the eib at operational level should continue to be applied . it is of particular importance to have an early exchange of views between the commission and the eib , including the eeas , as appropriate , in the process of preparing programming documents in order to maximise synergies between their activities . the cooperation in relation to the respect of human rights , fundamental freedoms and conflict prevention issues should also be reinforced . locating the eib field offices in eu delegations would improve this cooperation and reduces operating costs .


### development of social , environmental and economic infrastructure ; ### development of social , environmental , economic and transport infrastructure ;


### eib financing operations supporting the objectives provided for in paragraph 1 shall support investment projects in the areas of transport , energy , including renewable energy , energy systems transformation enabling a switch to lower carbon intensive technologies and fuels , energy security and energy infrastructure , including for gas production and transportation to eu energy market , environmental infrastructure , including water and sanitation and green infrastructure , information and communication technology , including telecommunications and broadband network infrastructure , health and education . ### eib financing operations supporting the objectives provided for in paragraph 1 shall support investment projects in the areas of transport , energy , including renewable energy , energy systems transformation enabling a switch to lower carbon intensive technologies and fuels , sustainable energy security and energy infrastructure , including for gas production and transportation to eu energy market , sustainable environmental infrastructure , including water and sanitation and green infrastructure , information and communication technology , including telecommunications and broadband network infrastructure , health and education . priority consideration should be given to infrastructure projects connecting the union and third countries which provide mutual economic , development , social and environmental benefits .


### eib financing operations supporting the objectives provided for in paragraph 1 shall support investment projects in climate change mitigation and adaptation which contribute to the overall objective of the united nations framework convention on climate change , in particular by avoiding or reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the areas of renewable energy , energy efficiency and sustainable transport , or by increasing resilience to the adverse impacts of climate change on vulnerable countries , sectors and communities . over the period covered by the decision , the volume of these operations shall represent at least 25% of total eib financing operations . ### eib financing operations supporting the objectives provided for in paragraph 1 shall support investment projects in climate change mitigation and adaptation which contribute to the overall objective of the united nations framework convention on climate change , in particular by avoiding or reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the areas of renewable energy , energy efficiency and sustainable transport , or by increasing resilience to the adverse impacts of climate change on highly fragile natural environments , vulnerable countries , sectors and communities - as faced in the arctic region , for example . over the period covered by the decision , the volume of these operations shall represent at least 40% of total eib financing operations .


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 17 concerning amendments to annex iii . the commission ' s decisions shall be based on an overall economic and political assessment , including aspects related to the democracy , human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as the relevant european parliament resolutions and council decisions and conclusions . ### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 17 concerning amendments to annex iii . the commission ' s decisions shall be based on an overall economic and political assessment , with significant consideration given in particular to aspects related to democracy , human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as to the relevant european parliament resolutions and council decisions and conclusions .


### the commission shall update , together with the eib , the existing regional technical operational guidelines for eib financing operations within one year following the adoption of this decision . ### the commission shall update , together with the eib , the existing regional technical operational guidelines for eib financing operations within one year following the adoption of this decision . further updates could be considered on a regular annual basis in order to take into account the developments in the countries of operation .


### in updating these guidelines , the commission and the eib shall take into account relevant european parliament resolutions and council decisions and conclusions . the eeas shall also be consulted on policy issues , as appropriate . ### in updating these guidelines , the commission and the eib shall take into account relevant european parliament resolutions and council decisions and conclusions and shall engage with the relevant committees of the ep . the eeas shall also be consulted on policy issues . at the regional level , there should be consultations with the local civil society .


### the commission and the eib shall set out in the agreement referred to in article 13 a method allowing the eib to identify , within its external activity , the operations to be financed under this decision and the operations to be financed at the own risk of the eib . the method shall be based on the creditworthiness of eib financing operations as assessed by the eib , the regions and ceilings as defined in annex i , the nature of the counterparty , eib risk absorption capacity and other relevant criteria , including added value of the eu guarantee . ### the commission and the eib shall set out in the agreement referred to in article 13 a clear and transparent method allowing the eib to identify , within its external activity , the operations to be financed under this decision and the operations to be financed at the own risk of the eib . the method shall be based on the creditworthiness of eib financing operations as assessed by the eib , the regions and ceilings as defined in annex i , the nature of the counterparty , eib risk absorption capacity and other relevant criteria , including added value of the eu guarantee .


### the eib ' s own rules and procedures shall include the necessary provisions on assessment of environmental and social impact of investment projects and of aspects related to human rights and conflict prevention , to ensure that only investment projects that are economically , financially , environmentally and socially sustainable are supported under this decision . ### the eib ' s own rules and procedures shall include the necessary provisions on assessment of environmental and social impact of investment projects and of aspects related to human rights , fundamental freedoms and conflict prevention in line with the principles of the union and its relevant legislation , to ensure that only investment projects that are economically , financially , environmentally and socially sustainable are supported under this decision .


### in accordance with its own transparency policy , the eib shall make publicly available on its website information relating to : ### in accordance with eu legislation on access to documents and information and with its own transparency policy , the eib shall make publicly available on its website information relating to :


### the eib shall inform olaf immediately when , at any stage of the preparation , implementation or closure of projects subject to the eu guarantee , it detects a potential case of fraud , corruption or other illegal activity that may affect the financial interests of the eu . ### the eib shall inform olaf immediately when , at any stage of the preparation , implementation or closure of projects subject to the eu guarantee , it detects a potential case of fraud , corruption or other illegal activity that may affect the financial interests of the eu . the eib shall pay particular attention to information by whistleblowers regarding potential cases of fraud , corruption or other illegal activity , allowing for a proper follow - up , feedback and protection against retaliation .


### olaf may carry out investigations , including on - the - spot checks and inspections , in accordance with the provisions and procedures laid down in regulation no 1073 / 1999 , regulation no 2185 / 96 and regulation no 2988 / 95 in order to protect the financial interests of the european union , with a view to establishing whether there has been fraud , corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the union in connection with any financing operations . ### olaf may carry out investigations , including on - the - spot checks and inspections , in accordance with the provisions and procedures laid down in regulation no 1073 / 1999 , regulation no 2185 / 96 and regulation no 2988 / 95 in order to protect the financial interests of the european union , with a view to establishing whether there has been fraud , corruption , money laundering or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the union in connection with any financing operations . in such cases , the disbursement of loans should be immediately suspended until olaf investigation findings are available . where corruption is proven , the eib shall assist asset recovery efforts by disclosing to the relevant authorities any assets held by the eib that relate to such corruption or that derive from it . 2a . the contracts signed in relation to projects subject to the eu guarantee shall include stringent clauses enabling the suspension of financing support from the eib to a project ' s promoters and financial intermediaries where fraud , corruption or other illegal activity are under formal investigation , and their cancellation in the event of such illegal activity being proven .


### if necessary in cases of urgency , the commission may take that decision acting in accordance with the second paragraph of article 38g . in that case , the measures adopted shall be communicated forthwith to the members states and shall take effect immediately . ### only in cases of urgency may the commission take that decision acting in accordance with the second paragraph of article 38g . in that case , the measures adopted shall be communicated forthwith to the members states , together with the reason justifying adoption , and shall take effect immediately .


### moreover , eib financing operations should contribute to the general principles guiding the eu ' s external action , as referred to in article 21 of the treaty on the european union , of promoting and consolidating democracy and the rule of law , human rights and fundamental freedoms , and to the implementation of international environmental agreements to which the eu is a party . in relation to developing countries9 in particular , eib financing operations should foster : sustainable economic , social and environmental development of these countries , particularly in the most disadvantaged amongst them ; their smooth and gradual integration into the world economy ; the campaign against poverty ; as well as compliance with objectives approved by the eu in the context of the united nations and other competent international organisations . the eib should gradually build up appropriate means to adequately meet these requirements . ### more generally , eib financing operations should contribute to the general principles guiding the eu ' s external action , as referred to in article 21 of the treaty on the european union , of promoting and consolidating democracy and the rule of law , human rights and fundamental freedoms , and to the implementation of international environmental agreements to which the eu is a party . in relation to developing countries9in particular , an underlying objective for eib financing operations should be the reduction of poverty through fostering : sustainable economic , social and environmental development of these countries , particularly in the most disadvantaged amongst them ; their smooth and gradual integration into the world economy ; as well as compliance with objectives approved by the eu in the context of the united nations and other competent international organisations . the eib should gradually build up appropriate means in order to guarantee equal access to financial services , in particular for disadvantaged groups such as minorities , farmers and women . in order to adequately meet these requirements the council shall guarantee an increase in eib resources and staff .


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


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


### the reporting and transmission of information by the eib to the commission should be strengthened in order to allow the commission to enhance its annual report to the european parliament and the council on the eib financing operations carried out under this decision . the report should in particular assess the compliance of eib financing operations with this decision , taking into account the operational guidelines , and include sections on added value in line with eu policies and sections on cooperation with the commission , other ifis and bilateral donors , including co - financing . where necessary , the report should include references to significant changes in circumstances that would justify further amendments to the mandate before the end of the period . ### the reporting and transmission of information by the eib to the commission should be strengthened in order to allow the commission to enhance its annual report to the european parliament and the council on the eib financing operations carried out under this decision . the report should in particular assess the compliance of eib financing operations with this decision , taking into account the operational guidelines , and include sections on added value in line with eu policies and sections on cooperation with the commission , other ifis and bilateral donors , including co - financing . the report shall include an appraisal of social and development - related aspects of projects . where necessary , the report should include references to significant changes in circumstances that would justify further amendments to the mandate before the end of the period .


### climate change mitigation and adaptation , as defined in article 2 . development of social and economic infrastructure , including transport , energy , environmental infrastructure and information and communication technology . local private sector development , in particular support to small - and medium - sized enterprises . ### local private sector development , in particular support to small - and medium - sized enterprises . development of social and economic infrastructure , including transport , energy , environmental infrastructure and information and communication technology . climate change mitigation and adaptation , as defined in article 2 .


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


### the eib shall carry out thorough due diligence on development - related aspects of projects covered by the eu guarantee . the eib ' s own rules and procedures shall include the necessary provisions on assessment of environmental and social impact of projects and of aspects related to human rights , to ensure that only projects that are economically , financially , environmentally and socially sustainable are supported under this decision . ### the eib shall carry out thorough due diligence on development - related aspects of projects covered by the eu guarantee . the eib ' s own rules and procedures shall include the necessary provisions on assessment of environmental and social impact of projects and of aspects related to human rights , to ensure that only projects that are economically , financially , environmentally and socially sustainable are supported under this decision . the commission shall report annually to the parliament on the outcome of the due diligence .


### in order to supplement or amend certain non - essential elements of regulation no 2008 / 97 , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty should be delegated to the commission in respect of the adoption of the resulting adjustments necessary for that regulation where the present conditions of the special arrangements provided for in the association agreement are amended , in particular as regards the amounts , or where a new agreement is concluded . 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 council . ### in order to supplement or amend certain non - essential elements of regulation no 2008 / 97 , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty should be delegated to the commission in respect of the adoption of the resulting adjustments necessary for that regulation where the present conditions of the special arrangements provided for in the association agreement are amended , in particular as regards the amounts , or where a new agreement is concluded . 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 council . the commission should provide full information and documentation on its meetings with national experts within the framework of its work on the preparation and implementation of delegated acts . in this respect , the commission should ensure that the european parliament is duly involved , drawing on best practices from previous experience in other policy areas in order to create the best possible conditions for future scrutiny of delegated acts by the european parliament .


### the commission shall , by means of implementing acts , adopt measures necessary to implement the rules for the application of the special import arrangements laid down in this regulation . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article [ 323 ] of regulation no [ xxxx / yyyy ] of the european parliament and of the council [ aligned single cmo regulation ] * . ### the commission shall , by means of implementing acts , adopt measures necessary to implement the rules for the application of the special import arrangements laid down in this regulation . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 7a .


### the delegation of power referred to in article 8 shall be conferred on the commission for an indeterminate period of time from [ insert date of entry into force of this amending regulation ] . ### the delegation of power referred to in article 8 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of five years from . . . * . 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 . ––––––––––––––––– * oj : please insert the date of entry into force of this regulation .


### a delegated act adopted pursuant to article 8 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of 2 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 2 months at the initiative of the european parliament or the council . ### a delegated act adopted pursuant to article 8 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 four months at the initiative of the european parliament or the council .


### the commission shall , by means of implementing acts , adopt rules necessary for the application of the import regime for products listed in annex i to the treaty on the functioning on the european union which originate in turkey and which are imported into the union under the conditions laid down in decision no 1 / 98 of the ec - turkey association council . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article [ 323 ] of regulation no [ xxxx / yyyy ] of the european parliament and of the council [ aligned single cmo regulation ] * . ### the commission shall , by means of implementing acts , adopt rules necessary for the application of the import regime for products listed in annex i to the treaty on the functioning on the european union which originate in turkey and which are imported into the union under the conditions laid down in decision no 1 / 98 of the ec - turkey association council . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 2a .


### the commission shall , by means of an implementing act , confirm the termination of the suspension referred to in article 2 once the barriers to the preferential exports from the union to turkey have been lifted . that implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article [ 323 ] of regulation no [ xxxx / yyyy ] of the european parliament and of the council [ aligned single cmo regulation ] * . ### the commission shall , by means of an implementing act , confirm the termination of the suspension referred to in article 2 once the barriers to the preferential exports from the union to turkey have been lifted . that implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 3a .


### in order to ensure that the levels of protection afforded to geographical indications by other instruments of union law are applied in a uniform and exhaustive manner in the examination of absolute and relative grounds for refusal throughout the union , this directive should include the same provisions in relation to geographical indications as contained in regulation no 207 / 2009 . ### in order to ensure that the levels of protection afforded to geographical indications by other instruments of union law are applied in a uniform and exhaustive manner in the examination of absolute and relative grounds for refusal throughout the union , this directive should include the same provisions in relation to geographical indications as contained in regulation no 207 / 2009 . since union legislation exists only concerning the protection of geographical indications of agricultural products and foodstuffs , wine and spirits , the commission should adopt a proposal for a regulation harmonising member states ' rules on the protection of geographical indications also for goods other than agricultural and foodstuffs , wine and spirits .


### in order to more effectively prevent the entry of infringing goods , particularly in the context of sales over the internet , the proprietor should be entitled to prohibit the importing of such goods into the union , where it is only the consignor of the goods who acts for commercial purposes . ### in order to more effectively prevent the entry of infringing goods , particularly in the context of sales over the internet , the proprietor should be entitled to prohibit the importing of such goods into the union , where it is only the consignor of the goods who acts for commercial purposes . to this purpose the proprietor should take relevant actions as provided under directive 48 / 2004 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 29 april 2004 on the enforcement of intellectual property rights1 and regulation concerning customs enforcement of intellectual property rights [ 2011 / 0137 ] . ____________ 1 oj l 157 , 30 . 4 . 2004 , p . 45 .


### the proprietor of a registered trade mark shall also be entitled to prevent the importing of goods referred to in paragraph 3 where only the consignor of the goods acts for commercial purposes . ### the proprietor of a registered trade mark shall also be entitled to prevent the importing of goods referred to in paragraph 3 where only the consignor of the goods acts for commercial purposes . to this purpose the proprietor of a european trade mark shall be entitled to take relevant legal actions as provided by directive 48 / 2004 / ec and to request national customs authorities to take action in respect of goods which allegedly infringe their rights , such as detention and destruction in accordance with regulation concerning customs enforcement of intellectual property rights [ 2011 / 0137 ] member states shall also take appropriate measures to prevent the sale of counterfeit goods over the internet .


### the proprietor of a registered trade mark shall also be entitled to prevent all third parties from bringing goods , in the context of commercial activity , into the customs territory of the member state where the trade mark is registered without being released for free circulation there , where such goods , including packaging , come from third countries and bear without authorization a trade mark which is identical to the trade mark registered in respect of such goods , or which cannot be distinguished in its essential aspects from that trade mark . ### the proprietor of a registered trade mark shall also be entitled to prevent all third parties from bringing goods , in the context of commercial activity , into the customs territory of the member state where the trade mark is registered without being released for free circulation there , where such goods , including packaging , come from third countries and bear without authorization a trade mark which is identical to the trade mark registered in respect of such goods , or which cannot be distinguished in its essential aspects from that trade mark . this shall be without prejudice to the union ' s compliance with wto rules , notably with gatt article v on freedom of transit .


### the programme should help achieve the environment targets the union has already agreed . ### the programme should help achieve the environment targets the union has already agreed and identify policy areas where there is the need to set additional targets .


### the union has agreed to halt the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services in the eu by 2020 , restore them in so far as feasible , while stepping up the eu contribution to averting global biodiversity loss11 ; ### the union has agreed to halt the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services in the eu by 2020 , restore them in so far as feasible , while stepping up the eu contribution to averting global biodiversity loss11 , as well as to a long - term vision that by 2050 european union biodiversity and the ecosystem services it provides – its natural capital – are protected , valued and appropriately restored for biodiversity’s intrinsic value and for their essential contribution to human wellbeing and economic prosperity ;


### the full and even implementation of the environment acquis across the union is a sound investment for the environment and human health , and also for the economy . ### the full and even implementation of the environment acquis across the union is a treaty obligation as well as a sound investment for the environment and human health , and also for the economy .


### union environment policy should continue to draw on a sound evidence base . ### union environment policy should continue to draw on a sound knowledge and evidence base and be responsive to new scientific findings .


### as part of the follow - up to the 2012 united nations conference on sustainable development , the new general action programme should support international and regional processes aiming to transform the global economy into an inclusive green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty reduction . ### the new general action programme should support the implementation of the commitments undertaken at the 2012 united nations conference on sustainable development , in the eu and at international level , aiming to transform the global economy into an inclusive green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty reduction .


### to improve the evidence base for environment policy ; ### to improve the knowledge and evidence base for environment policy ;


### however , many environmental trends in the eu remain worrying , not least due to insufficient implementation of existing eu environment legislation . only 17 % of species and habitats assessed under the habitats directive are in good status , and the degradation and loss of natural capital is jeopardising efforts to attain the eu’s biodiversity and climate change objectives . this has high associated costs which have not yet been properly valued in our economic or social system . thirty per cent of the eu’s territory is highly fragmented , affecting the connectivity and health of ecosystems and their ability to provide services as well as viable habitats for species . while progress has been made in the eu to decouple growth from ghg emissions , resource use and environmental impacts , resource use is still largely unsustainable and inefficient , and waste is not yet properly managed . as a result , eu businesses are foregoing the significant opportunities that resource efficiency offers in terms of competitiveness , cost reductions , improved productivity and security of supply . water quality and air pollution levels are still problematic in many parts of europe , and eu citizens continue to be exposed to hazardous substances , potentially compromising their health and wellbeing . unsustainable land use is consuming fertile soils , with impacts on food security and the achievement of biodiversity targets . soil degradation continues largely unchecked . ### however , many environmental trends in the eu remain worrying , not least due to insufficient implementation of existing eu environment legislation . only 17 % of species and habitats assessed under the habitats directive are in good status , and the degradation and loss of natural capital is jeopardising efforts to attain the eu’s biodiversity and climate change objectives . this has high associated costs which have not yet been properly valued in our economic or social system . thirty per cent of the eu’s territory is highly fragmented , affecting the connectivity and health of ecosystems and their ability to provide services as well as viable habitats for species . while progress has been made in the eu to decouple growth from ghg emissions , resource use and environmental impacts , resource use is still largely unsustainable and inefficient , and waste is not yet properly managed . as a result , eu businesses are foregoing the significant opportunities that resource efficiency offers in terms of competitiveness , cost reductions , improved productivity and security of supply . water quality and air pollution levels are still problematic in many parts of europe , and eu citizens continue to be exposed to hazardous substances , compromising their health and wellbeing . unsustainable land use is consuming fertile soils , with impacts on global food security and the achievement of biodiversity targets . soil degradation continues largely unchecked and needs a common european legal framework .


### however , many environmental trends in the eu remain worrying , not least due to insufficient implementation of existing eu environment legislation . only 17 % of species and habitats assessed under the habitats directive are in good status , and the degradation and loss of natural capital is jeopardising efforts to attain the eu’s biodiversity and climate change objectives . this has high associated costs which have not yet been properly valued in our economic or social system . thirty per cent of the eu’s territory is highly fragmented , affecting the connectivity and health of ecosystems and their ability to provide services as well as viable habitats for species . while progress has been made in the eu to decouple growth from ghg emissions , resource use and environmental impacts , resource use is still largely unsustainable and inefficient , and waste is not yet properly managed . as a result , eu businesses are foregoing the significant opportunities that resource efficiency offers in terms of competitiveness , cost reductions , improved productivity and security of supply . water quality and air pollution levels are still problematic in many parts of europe , and eu citizens continue to be exposed to hazardous substances , potentially compromising their health and wellbeing . unsustainable land use is consuming fertile soils , with impacts on food security and the achievement of biodiversity targets . soil degradation continues largely unchecked . ### however , many environmental trends in the eu remain worrying , not least due to insufficient implementation of existing eu environment legislation . only 17 % of species and habitats assessed under the habitats directive are in good status , and the degradation and loss of natural capital is jeopardising efforts to attain the eu’s biodiversity and climate change objectives . this has high associated costs which have not yet been properly valued in our economic or social system . thirty per cent of the eu’s territory is highly fragmented , affecting the connectivity and health of ecosystems and their ability to provide services as well as viable habitats for species . marine habitats and species remain at risk of decline and extinction from a variety of human - induced threats within eu waters . while progress has been made in the eu to decouple growth from ghg emissions , resource use and environmental impacts , resource use is still largely unsustainable and inefficient , and waste is not yet properly managed . as a result , eu businesses are foregoing the significant opportunities that resource efficiency offers in terms of competitiveness , cost reductions , improved productivity and security of supply . water quality and air pollution levels are still problematic in many parts of europe , and eu citizens continue to be exposed to hazardous substances , potentially compromising their health and wellbeing . unsustainable land use is consuming fertile soils , with impacts on food security and the achievement of biodiversity targets . soil degradation continues largely unchecked .


### together with current wasteful production and consumption systems in the world economy , rising global demand for goods and services and depletion of resources is increasing the cost of essential raw materials , minerals and energy , generating more pollution and waste , increasing global ghg emissions and driving land degradation , deforestation and biodiversity loss . nearly two - thirds of the world’s ecosystems are in decline and there is evidence that planetary boundaries for biodiversity , climate change and the nitrogen cycle have already been transgressed . there is likely to be a global shortfall of 40 % in water by 2030 unless there is significant progress in improving resource efficiency . there is also the risk that climate change will further exacerbate these problems , with high costs . in 2011 , disasters partly due to climate change resulted in global economic losses of over 300 billion euros . the oecd has warned that the continued degradation and erosion of natural capital risks bringing about irreversible changes that could endanger two centuries of rising living standards and entail significant costs . ### together with current wasteful production and consumption systems in the world economy , rising global demand for goods and services and depletion of resources is increasing the cost of essential raw materials , minerals and energy , generating more pollution and waste , increasing global ghg emissions and driving land degradation , deforestation and biodiversity loss . nearly two - thirds of the world’s ecosystems are in decline and there is evidence that planetary boundaries for biodiversity , climate change and the nitrogen cycle have already been transgressed . there is likely to be a global shortfall of 40 % in water by 2030 unless there is significant progress in improving resource efficiency . there is also the risk that climate change will further exacerbate these problems , with high costs 1 . in 2011 , disasters partly due to climate change resulted in global economic losses of over 300 billion euros . the oecd has warned that the continued degradation and erosion of natural capital risks bringing about irreversible changes that could endanger two centuries of rising living standards and entail significant costs . __________________ 1 according to the stern review on the economics of climate change , without action , the overall costs of climate change will be equivalent to losing at least 5% of global gross domestic product each year . including a wider range of risks and impacts , this figure could increase this to 20% of gdp .


### to live well in the future , urgent , concerted action should be taken now to improve ecological resilience and maximise the benefits environment policy can deliver for the economy and society , while respecting the planet’s ecological limits . this programme reflects the eu’s commitment to transforming itself into an inclusive green economy that secures growth and development , safeguards human health and well - being , provides decent jobs , reduces inequalities and invests in and preserves natural capital . ### to live well in the future , urgent , concerted action should be taken now to improve ecological resilience and maximise the benefits environment policy can deliver for the economy and society , while respecting the planet’s ecological limits . this programme reflects the eu’s commitment , as a bloc whose actions have a global impact , to working internationally to promote a transition to an inclusive green economy that secures growth and development , safeguards human health and well - being and food quality , provides decent jobs , reduces inequalities and invests in and preserves natural capital .


### the following 2050 vision is intended to help guide action up to and beyond 2020 : in 2050 , we live well , within the planet’s ecological limits . our prosperity and healthy environment stem from an innovative , circular economy where nothing is wasted and where natural resources are managed in ways that enhance our society’s resilience . our low carbon growth has long been decoupled from resource use , setting the pace for a global sustainable economy . ### the following 2050 vision is intended to help guide action up to and beyond 2020 : in 2050 , we live well , within the planet’s ecological limits . our prosperity and healthy environment stem from an innovative , circular economy where nothing is wasted and where natural resources are managed in ways that enhance our society’s resilience . our low carbon growth has long been decoupled from resource use , setting the pace for a global sustainable economy . environmental justice is delivered inside and outside the eu . all people have equal access to environmental benefits . burdens due to environmental degradation are shared in a fair manner .


### the eu has signed up to many internationally - agreed environmental commitments , including those made at the united nations conference on sustainable development where it marked its support for the inclusive green economy as a central part of a broader strategy for sustainable development . ### the eu has signed up to many legally binding commitments under multilateral environmental agreements as well to politically binding environmental commitments , including those agreed at the united nations conference on sustainable development . the rio + 20 outcome document recognises the inclusive green economy as an important tool for achieving sustainable development and sets out a framework for action covering all three dimensions of sustainable development , many of which are reflected in the priority objectives of this programme . it further agreed to elaborate sustainable development goals , to strengthen the institutional framework and develop a financing strategy for sustainable development . the eu and its member states must now ensure that those commitments are implemented both at home through its internal policies , as well as globally through contributions to international action .


### this programme complements these efforts by defining priority objectives for the eu to attain over the period up to 2020 . ### this programme complements these efforts by defining priority objectives for the eu to attain over the period up to 2020 and indicative pathways towards 2050 . it shall ensure implementation , encourage domestic action and help a range of actors making cost effective investment choices .


### the eu’s economic prosperity and well - being is underpinned by its natural capital , which includes ecosystems that provide essential goods and services , from fertile soil and multi - functional forests to productive land and seas , from fresh water and clean air to pollination , flood control and climate regulation and protection against natural disasters . a substantial body of eu legislation seeks to protect , conserve and enhance natural capital , including the water framework directive , the marine strategy framework directive , the air quality and related directives and the habitats and birds directives . legislation to tackle climate change , chemicals , industrial emissions and waste also contribute to easing the pressures on biodiversity , including ecosystems , species and habitats . ### the eu’s economic prosperity and well - being is underpinned by its natural capital , which includes natural and farmed ecosystems that provide essential goods and services , from fertile soil and multi - functional forests to multifunctional , productive land in all regions and seas , from fresh water and clean air to pollination , flood control and climate regulation and protection against natural disasters . a substantial body of eu legislation seeks to protect , conserve and enhance natural capital , including the water framework directive , the marine strategy framework directive , the air quality and related directives and the habitats and birds directives . legislation to tackle climate change , chemicals , industrial emissions and waste also contribute to easing the pressures on biodiversity , including ecosystems , species and habitats .


### the eu’s economic prosperity and well - being is underpinned by its natural capital , which includes ecosystems that provide essential goods and services , from fertile soil and multi - functional forests to productive land and seas , from fresh water and clean air to pollination , flood control and climate regulation and protection against natural disasters . a substantial body of eu legislation seeks to protect , conserve and enhance natural capital , including the water framework directive , the marine strategy framework directive , the air quality and related directives and the habitats and birds directives . legislation to tackle climate change , chemicals , industrial emissions and waste also contribute to easing the pressures on biodiversity , including ecosystems , species and habitats . ### the eu’s economic prosperity and well - being is underpinned by its natural capital , i . e . its biodiversity , including ecosystems that provide essential goods and services , from fertile soil and multi - functional forests to productive land and seas , from fresh water and clean air to pollination , flood control and climate regulation and protection against natural disasters . a substantial body of eu legislation seeks to protect , conserve and enhance natural capital , including the water framework directive , the urban wastewater directive1 , the nitrates directive2 , the marine strategy framework directive , the air quality and related directives and the habitats and birds directives . legislation to tackle climate change , chemicals , industrial emissions and waste also contribute to easing the pressures on biodiversity , including ecosystems , soil and species and habitats . __________________ 1 directive 91 / 271 / eec . 2 directive 91 / 676 / eec .


### however , recent assessments show that biodiversity in the eu is still being lost and that most ecosystems are seriously degraded . the eu biodiversity strategy to 2020 sets out targets and actions needed to reverse these negative trends and to enhance ecosystem services . it must be implemented in full to enable the eu to meet its biodiversity headline target for 2020 . whereas the strategy includes built - in measures to improve the implementation of the birds and habitats directives , including the natura 2000 network , reaching the headline target will require the full implementation of all existing legislation aimed at protecting natural capital . ### however , recent assessments show that biodiversity in the eu is still being lost and that most ecosystems are seriously degraded . the eu biodiversity strategy to 2020 sets out targets and actions needed to halt the loss of biodiversity and to maintain , restore and enhance ecosystems and their services . it must be implemented in full to enable the eu to meet its biodiversity headline target for 2020 . whereas the strategy includes built - in measures to improve the implementation of the birds and habitats directives , including the natura 2000 network , reaching the headline target will require the full implementation of all existing legislation aimed at protecting natural capital .


### despite considerable efforts to date , the requirement under the wfd to achieve ‘ good ecological status’ by 2015 is likely to be met only for some 53 % of surface water bodies in the eu . there is also a risk that the marine strategy framework directive target to achieve ‘ good environmental status’ by 2020 may be missed , inter alia due to continued overfishing and the presence of marine litter in europe’s seas . and while eu air and industrial emissions policies have helped to reduce many forms of pollution , ecosystems continue to suffer from excess nitrogen deposition and ozone pollution associated with emissions from transport , intensive agriculture and power generation . ### despite considerable efforts to date , the requirement under the wfd to achieve ‘ good ecological status’ by 2015 is likely to be met only for some 53 % of surface water bodies in the eu . there is also a risk that the marine strategy framework directive target to achieve ‘ good environmental status’ by 2020 may be missed , inter alia due to continued overfishing and the presence of marine litter in europe’s seas . and while eu air and industrial emissions policies have helped to reduce many forms of pollution , ecosystems continue to suffer from excess nitrogen deposition and ozone pollution associated with emissions from transport , unsustainable agriculture practices and power generation .


### despite considerable efforts to date , the requirement under the wfd to achieve ‘ good ecological status’ by 2015 is likely to be met only for some 53 % of surface water bodies in the eu . there is also a risk that the marine strategy framework directive target to achieve ‘ good environmental status’ by 2020 may be missed , inter alia due to continued overfishing and the presence of marine litter in europe’s seas . and while eu air and industrial emissions policies have helped to reduce many forms of pollution , ecosystems continue to suffer from excess nitrogen deposition and ozone pollution associated with emissions from transport , intensive agriculture and power generation . ### despite considerable efforts to date , the requirement under the wfd to achieve ‘ good ecological status’ by 2015 is likely to be met only for some 53 % of surface water bodies in the eu . there is also a risk that the marine strategy framework directive target to achieve ‘ good environmental status’ by 2020 may be missed , inter alia due to continued overfishing and the presence of marine litter in europe’s seas . and while eu air and industrial emissions policies have helped to reduce many forms of pollution , ecosystems continue to suffer from excess nitrogen and sulphur deposition and ozone pollution associated with emissions from transport , intensive agriculture and power generation .


### protecting , conserving and enhancing the eu’s natural capital therefore also requires tackling problems at source through , inter alia , better integration of natural capital objectives into other policies , ensuring that policies are coherent and deliver co - benefits . the greening elements set out in the commission’s reform proposals , notably for eu agriculture , fisheries and cohesion policy , backed by the proposals for greening the eu budget under the multi - annual financial framework 2014 - 2020 are designed to support these objectives . for instance , aquatic ecosystems in rural areas should benefit from the linking of farm payments to compliance with relevant requirements of the wfd as set out in the commission ' s proposals for the reform of the cap . greening of the cap will also promote the environmentally beneficial agricultural practices of crop diversification , the protection of permanent grassland , and the establishment and maintenance of ecologically valuable farmland and forest areas . ### protecting , conserving and enhancing the eu’s natural capital therefore also requires tackling problems at source through , inter alia , better integration of natural capital objectives into other policies , ensuring that policies are coherent and deliver co - benefits . the greening elements set out in the reform proposals , notably for eu agriculture , fisheries and cohesion policy , are backed by the proposals for greening the eu budget under the multi - annual financial framework 2014 - 2020 , which will therefore have to make provision for a budget that is sufficient to support them . aquatic ecosystems in rural areas should benefit from the final transposition of the wfd , once that directive has been implemented in an equivalent manner in all member states , as set out in the commission ' s proposals for the reform of the cap . further greening of the cap will also promote environmentally beneficial agricultural practices in connection with direct payments and with rural development programmes . an essential element in this sustainable agriculture is farming in a spirit of responsibility for future generations which at the same time makes sparing use of resources and is productive .


### protecting , conserving and enhancing the eu’s natural capital therefore also requires tackling problems at source through , inter alia , better integration of natural capital objectives into other policies , ensuring that policies are coherent and deliver co - benefits . the greening elements set out in the commission’s reform proposals , notably for eu agriculture , fisheries and cohesion policy , backed by the proposals for greening the eu budget under the multi - annual financial framework 2014 - 2020 are designed to support these objectives . for instance , aquatic ecosystems in rural areas should benefit from the linking of farm payments to compliance with relevant requirements of the wfd as set out in the commission’s proposals for the reform of the cap . greening of the cap will also promote the environmentally beneficial agricultural practices of crop diversification , the protection of permanent grassland , and the establishment and maintenance of ecologically valuable farmland and forest areas . ### protecting , conserving and enhancing the eu’s natural capital therefore also requires tackling problems at source through , inter alia , better integration of natural capital objectives into the development and implementation of other policies , ensuring that policies are coherent and deliver co - benefits . the greening elements set out in the commission’s reform proposals , notably for eu agriculture , fisheries and cohesion policy , backed by the proposals for greening the eu budget under the multi - annual financial framework 2014 - 2020 are designed to support these objectives . for instance , aquatic ecosystems in rural areas should benefit from the linking of farm payments to compliance with relevant requirements of the wfd as set out in the commission’s proposals for the reform of the cap . greening of the cap will also promote the environmentally beneficial agricultural practices of crop diversification , the protection of permanent grassland , and the establishment and maintenance of ecologically valuable farmland and forest areas .


### ecosystem - based approaches to climate change mitigation and adaptation which also benefit biodiversity and the provision of other ecosystem services should be used more extensively as part of the eu’s climate change policy , while other environmental objectives such as biodiversity conservation and water protection should be fully taken into account in decisions relating to renewable energy . finally , measures to address transport - related air pollution and co2 emissions will need to be rolled out41 . ### ecosystem - based approaches to climate change mitigation and adaptation which also benefit biodiversity and the provision of other ecosystem services should be used more extensively as part of the eu’s climate change policy , while other environmental objectives such as biodiversity conservation and soil and water protection should be fully taken into account in decisions relating to renewable energy . finally , measures to address transport - related air pollution and co2 emissions will need to be rolled out41 .


### the degradation , fragmentation and unsustainable use of land in the eu is jeopardising the provision of several key ecosystem services , threatening biodiversity and increasing europe’s vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters . it is also driving soil degradation . more than 25% of the eu ' s territory is affected by soil erosion by water , which compromises soil functions and affects the quality of freshwater . soil contamination and sealing are also persistent problems . more than half a million sites across the eu are thought to be contaminated and until they are identified and assessed , they continue to pose potentially serious environmental and health risks . every year more than 1 000 km² of land are taken for housing , industry , transport or recreational purposes . these long - term changes are difficult or costly to reverse , and nearly always involve trade - offs between various social , economic and environmental needs . member states ' planning decisions relating to land use should be made more sustainable . ### the degradation , fragmentation and unsustainable use of land in the eu is jeopardising the provision of several key ecosystem services , threatening biodiversity and increasing europe’s vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters . it is also driving soil degradation . more than 25% of the eu ' s territory is affected by soil erosion by water , which compromises soil functions and affects the quality of freshwater . soil contamination and sealing are also persistent problems . more than half a million sites across the eu are thought to be contaminated and until they are identified and assessed , they continue to pose potentially serious environmental and health risks . every year more than 1 000 km² of land are taken for housing , industry , transport or recreational purposes . this artificial sealing of the soil has an adverse impact on the natural water cycle , because surface water can no longer seep into the ground and replenish the groundwater . since the soil is , for example , no longer able to absorb and store rainwater , the increased run - off leads to flooding and a shortage of drinking water . these long - term changes are difficult or costly to reverse , and nearly always involve trade - offs between various social , economic and environmental needs . for this reason , member states ' planning decisions relating to land use should define exactly which areas are to be released for building and impose restrictions on the size of those areas . sufficient green areas should be set aside to offset the unavoidable impact of large - scale sealing .


### the degradation , fragmentation and unsustainable use of land in the eu is jeopardising the provision of several key ecosystem services , threatening biodiversity and increasing europe’s vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters . it is also driving soil degradation . more than 25% of the eu’s territory is affected by soil erosion by water , which compromises soil functions and affects the quality of freshwater . soil contamination and sealing are also persistent problems . more than half a million sites across the eu are thought to be contaminated and until they are identified and assessed , they continue to pose potentially serious environmental and health risks . every year more than 1 000 km² of land are taken for housing , industry , transport or recreational purposes . these long - term changes are difficult or costly to reverse , and nearly always involve trade - offs between various social , economic and environmental needs . member states’ planning decisions relating to land use should be made more sustainable . ### the degradation , fragmentation and unsustainable use of land in and outside the eu is jeopardising the provision of several key ecosystem services , threatening biodiversity and increasing europe’s vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters . it is also driving soil degradation and desertification . more than 25% of the eu’s territory is affected by soil erosion by water , which compromises soil functions and affects the quality of freshwater . soil contamination and sealing are also persistent problems . more than half a million sites across the eu are thought to be contaminated and until they are identified and assessed , they continue to pose potentially serious environmental and health risks . every year more than 1 000 km² of land are taken for housing , industry , transport or recreational purposes . these long - term changes are difficult or costly to reverse , and nearly always involve trade - offs between various social , economic and environmental needs . member states’ planning decisions relating to land use should be made more sustainable with a view to the objective of no net land take by 2050 .


### the impacts of air pollution on ecosystems and biodiversity are further reduced . ### the impacts of air pollution on ecosystems and biodiversity are significantly reduced to achieve the long term objective of not exceeding critical loads and levels .


### increasing efforts to reduce soil erosion and increase soil organic matter , to remediate contaminated sites and to enhance the integration of land use aspects into coordinated decision - making involving all relevant levels of government , supported by the adoption of targets on soil and on land as a resource , and land planning objectives . ### increasing efforts at national level to reduce soil erosion and increase soil organic matter – inter alia by preserving and expanding tried and tested agrienvironmental programmes in the rural development of the cap – , to remediate contaminated sites and to enhance the integration of land use aspects into coordinated decision - making involving all relevant levels of government , supported by the adoption of targets on soil and on land as a resource , and land planning objectives ; increasing efforts at national level to reduce the area of land used and to preserve agricultural land areas for the production of food , feed and renewable raw materials .


### increasing efforts to reduce soil erosion and increase soil organic matter , to remediate contaminated sites and to enhance the integration of land use aspects into coordinated decision - making involving all relevant levels of government , supported by the adoption of targets on soil and on land as a resource , and land planning objectives . ### increasing efforts to reduce soil erosion and increase soil organic matter , to remediate contaminated sites and to enhance the integration of land use aspects into coordinated decision - making involving all relevant levels of government , supported by the adoption of targets and binding legislation on soil and on land as a resource , and land planning objectives .


### the europe 2020 strategy ' s ‘ resource - efficient europe’ flagship initiative aims to support the shift towards an economy that is efficient in the way it uses all resources , decouples absolutely economic growth from resource and energy use and its environmental impacts , reduces ghg emissions , enhances competitiveness through efficiency and innovation and promotes greater energy security . the roadmap to resource efficient europe and the roadmap for moving to a competitive low - carbon economy are key building blocks of the initiative , setting out the framework for future actions to deliver on these objectives . ### the europe 2020 strategy ' s ‘ resource - efficient europe’ flagship initiative aims to support the shift towards an economy that is efficient in the way it uses all resources , reduces the overall resource extraction and use , decouples absolutely economic growth from resource and energy use and its environmental impacts , reduces ghg emissions , enhances competitiveness through efficiency and innovation and promotes greater energy and resource security . the roadmap to a resource efficient europe and the roadmap for moving to a competitive low - carbon economy are key building blocks of the initiative , setting out the framework for future actions to deliver on these objectives .


### innovation to improve resource efficiency is required across the economy to improve competitiveness in the context of rising resource prices , scarcity and supply constraints . the business sector is the prime driver of innovation , including eco - innovation . however , markets will not deliver on their own . government action , at union and member state level , is essential to provide the right framework conditions for eco - innovation , stimulating the development of sustainable business or technological solutions to environmental challenges . ### research and innovation to improve resource efficiency is required across the economy to improve competitiveness in the context of rising resource prices , scarcity and supply constraints . there is a need for innovation in the energy consumption of agricultural machinery in order to increase energy efficiency and reduce co2 emissions , as well as a need to incentivise the modernisation of farms in order to adopt innovative methods and technology . the business sector is the prime driver of innovation , including eco - innovation . however , markets will not deliver on their own . government action , at union and member state level , is essential to provide the right framework conditions for eco - innovation , stimulating the development of sustainable business or technological solutions to environmental challenges .


### innovation to improve resource efficiency is required across the economy to improve competitiveness in the context of rising resource prices , scarcity and supply constraints . the business sector is the prime driver of innovation , including eco - innovation . however , markets will not deliver on their own . government action , at union and member state level , is essential to provide the right framework conditions for eco - innovation , stimulating the development of sustainable business or technological solutions to environmental challenges . ### innovation to improve resource efficiency and reduce the overall resource use is required across the economy to improve competitiveness in the context of rising resource prices , import dependency , scarcity and supply constraints . as a contribution to secure raw materials supply , innovation partnerships between the industry and waste management sector as well as research for the recyclability of important technology raw materials need to be reinforced . the business sector , in response to regulatory signals coming from ambitious environmental legislation , is the prime driver of innovation , including eco - innovation . however , markets will not deliver on their own . government action , at union and member state level , is essential to provide the right legal framework conditions for investments and eco - innovation , stimulating the development of sustainable business or technological solutions to environmental challenges .


### fully implementing the eu climate and energy package is essential to reach the milestones identified for 2020 and for building a competitive , low - carbon economy by 2050 . whereas the eu is currently on track to reduce domestic ghg emissions 20 % below 1990 levels by 2020 , meeting the 20 % energy efficiency target will require far more rapid efficiency improvements . this is also important in the light of still - growing demand for energy and the on - going debate on conflicts between land use for food and for bio - energy . the new energy efficiency directive is expected to make a significant contribution in this regard . ### fully implementing the eu climate and energy package is essential to reach the three targets set for 2020 and for building a competitive , sustainable , low - carbon economy based on a high renewable energy supply by 2050 . whereas the eu is currently on track to reduce domestic ghg emissions 20 % below 1990 levels by 2020 and might be able to achieve even more , meeting the 20 % energy efficiency target will require far more rapid efficiency improvements at all scales . this is also important in the light of still - growing demand for energy and the increasing competition for land for food and energy purposes . it is therefore important to ensure that biomass used for energy is limited in volume to what can be sustainably supplied respecting the ' cascading use ' principle . whereas the new energy efficiency directive is expected to make a significant contribution in this regard , it should be complemented by setting requirements for the energy use of all energy related products entering the eu market .


### all sectors of the economy will need to contribute to reducing ghg emissions for the eu to deliver its fair share of global efforts . the eu needs to agree the next steps for its climate and energy framework beyond 2020 in order to prepare itself for international negotiations on a new legally binding agreement , but also to provide member states and industry with a clear framework to make the medium - term investments needed . hence the eu needs to consider policy options for delivering the reductions set out in the low - carbon economy roadmap for the period beyond 2020 . the 2050 energy roadmap and the white paper on transport need to be underpinned by strong policy frameworks . moreover , member states need to develop and put in place long - term , cost - effective low - carbon development strategies aimed at achieving the eu objective of reducing ghg emissions by 80% to 95% by mid - century , compared to 1990 , as part of a global effort to limit average temperature increase to below 2°c . the eu emissions trading system will continue to be a central pillar of eu climate policy beyond 2020 . ### all sectors of the economy will need to contribute to reducing ghg emissions for the eu to deliver on its commitments and reach the objective of reducing ghg emissions by 80 - 95% by 2050 . the eu urgently needs to agree the next steps towards a new climate and energy framework beyond 2020 with three legally binding targets for emission reduction , energy efficiency and renewable energy in order to prepare itself for an active engagement in international negotiations on a new legally binding agreement by 2015 , but also to provide member states and industry with a clear legal framework to make the medium - and long - term investments needed . hence the eu needs to consider policy options for delivering the reductions set out in the low - carbon economy roadmap for the period beyond 2020 in line with the proposed milestones and latest science . the 2050 energy roadmap and the white paper on transport need to be underpinned by strong policy frameworks , milestones and targets for the years 2030 , 2040 and 2050 . moreover , member states need to develop and put in place long - term , cost - effective low - carbon development strategies aimed at achieving the eu objective of decarbonization by mid - century , compared to 1990 , as part of a global effort to limit average temperature increase to below 2°c . the eu emissions trading system will continue to be a central pillar of eu climate policy beyond 2020 and needs to be structurally reformed to incentivise investments in low - carbon and sustainable technologies . in order to fulfil its international commitments , the eu needs to substantially supported developing countries in their efforts to mitigate climate change through capacity - building , financial aid and technology transfer .