### further development and wider use of research infrastructures at union level will make a significant contribution to development of the european research area . while the role of member states remains central in developing and financing research infrastructures , the union plays an important part in supporting infrastructure at union level , fostering the emergence of new facilities , opening up broad access to national and european infrastructures , and making sure that regional , national , european and international policies are consistent and effective . it is not only necessary to avoid duplication of effort and to coordinate and rationalise use of the facilities , but also to pool resources so that the union can also acquire and operate research infrastructures at world level . ### further development and wider use of research infrastructures at union level will make a significant contribution to development of the european research area . while the role of member states remains central in developing and financing research infrastructures , the union plays an important part in supporting infrastructure at union level , fostering the emergence of new facilities in more remote regions , opening up broad access to national and european infrastructures , and making sure that regional , national , european and international policies are consistent and effective . it is not only necessary to avoid duplication of effort and to coordinate and rationalise use of the facilities , but also to pool resources so that the union can also acquire and operate research infrastructures at world level .


### further development and wider use of research infrastructures at union level will make a significant contribution to development of the european research area . while the role of member states remains central in developing and financing research infrastructures , the union plays an important part in supporting infrastructure at union level , fostering the emergence of new facilities , opening up broad access to national and european infrastructures , and making sure that regional , national , european and international policies are consistent and effective . it is not only necessary to avoid duplication of effort and to coordinate and rationalise use of the facilities , but also to pool resources so that the union can also acquire and operate research infrastructures at world level . ### further development at eu level requires effective prioritization based on excellence and implementation of eu - level quality standards as well as a wider use of the best research infrastructures at union level . this will make a significant contribution to the implementation and operation of the european research area . while the role of member states remains central in developing and financing research infrastructures , the union plays an important part in selecting and supporting world level excellence of infrastructures at union level , fostering the emergence of new and integrated facilities , opening up broad access to the best national and european infrastructures , and making sure that regional , national , european and international policies are consistent and effective . it is not only necessary to avoid duplication and fragmentation of effort and to coordinate and rationalise use of the facilities by introducing appropriate evaluation and prioritization , but also to pool resources on the most effective and eu - relevant ones so that the union can acquire and operate research infrastructures strengthening its attractiveness and competitivity at world level .


### the efficiencies of scale and scope achieved by a european approach to construction , use and management of research infrastructures , including e - infrastructures , will make a significant contribution to boosting europe ' s research and innovation potential . ### the efficiencies of scale and scope achieved by a common and prioritized european approach to construction , operation and use of excellent and world - class research infrastructures , including e - infrastructures , will make a significant contribution to boosting europe ' s research and innovation potential .


### the activities shall aim at developing the european research infrastructures for 2020 and beyond , fostering their innovation potential and human capital and reinforcing european research infrastructure policy . ### the activities shall aim at selecting , developing and supporting the best existing and new european research infrastructures fostering their innovation potential and human capital and reinforcing european research infrastructure policy .


### the aims shall be to ensure the implementation and operation of the esfri and other world - class research infrastructures , including the development of regional partner facilities ; integration of and access to national research infrastructures ; and the development , deployment and operation of e - infrastructures . ### the aims shall be to ensure the selection , implementation and operation of the esfri and other world - class research infrastructures , including the development of excellent regional partner facilities ; support of eu - level open access operation of the most relevant and excellent national research infrastructures ; their integration into eu - level distributed infrastructures ; and the development , deployment and operation of e - infrastructures .


### fostering the innovation potential of research infrastructures and their human capital ### fostering the innovation potential of the eu - relevant research infrastructures and their human capital by ensuring support based on excellence and pan - eu relevance .


### the aims shall be to encourage research infrastructures to act as early adopters of technology , to promote r&d partnerships with industry , to facilitate industrial use of research infrastructures and to stimulate the creation of innovation clusters . this activity shall also support training and / or exchanges of staff managing and operating research infrastructures . ### the aims shall be to encourage research infrastructures to act as early adopters of cutting - edge technology , to promote r&d partnerships with industry , to facilitate industrial use of research infrastructures and to stimulate their contribution to the creation of innovation clusters . this activity shall also support training and / or exchanges of staff managing and operating research infrastructures at international level .


### reinforcing european research infrastructure policy and international cooperation ### reinforcing european research infrastructure policy and international cooperation , , also by introducing high level , independent peer review and prioritization .


### the aim shall be to support partnerships between relevant policymakers and funding bodies , mapping and monitoring tools for decision - making and also international cooperation activities . ### the aim shall be to support partnerships between relevant policymakers and funding bodies , mapping and monitoring tools , and to implement high level independent evaluation and excellence - based decision - making .


### state - of - the - art research infrastructures are becoming increasingly complex and costly , often requiring integration of different equipment , services and data sources and extensive transnational collaboration . no single country has enough resources to support all the research infrastructures it needs . the european approach to research infrastructures has made remarkable progress in recent years with implementing the esfri roadmap for infrastructures , integrating and opening national research facilities and developing e - infrastructures underpinning a digital european research area . the networks of research infrastructures across europe strengthen its human capital base by providing world - class training for a new generation of researchers and engineers and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration . ### state - of - the - art research infrastructures are becoming increasingly complex and costly , often requiring integration of different equipment , services and data sources and extensive transnational collaboration . no single country has enough resources to support all the research infrastructures it needs , hence the merit of established european research infrastructures , which have constituted an excellent example of pooling resources and demonstrating the added value of joint approach during the past forty years . the european approach to research infrastructures has made remarkable progress in recent years with implementing the esfri roadmap for infrastructures , integrating and opening national research facilities and developing e - infrastructures underpinning an open and performant digital european research area . the networks of research infrastructures across europe strengthen its human capital base by providing world - class training for a new generation of researchers and engineers and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration .


### the aims shall be to ensure the implementation and operation of the esfri and other world - class research infrastructures , including the development of regional partner facilities ; integration of and access to national research infrastructures ; and the development , deployment and operation of e - infrastructures . ### the aims shall be to ensure the implementation and operation of the esfri and other world - class research infrastructures , including the development of regional partner facilities of european interest , as well as the transnational access to world - class european research infrastructures ; integration of and transnational access to national research infrastructures ; and the development , deployment and operation of e - infrastructures to ensure a world - leading capability in networking , computing and scientific data .


### the aims shall be to encourage research infrastructures to act as early adopters of technology , to promote r&d partnerships with industry , to facilitate industrial use of research infrastructures and to stimulate the creation of innovation clusters . this activity shall also support training and / or exchanges of staff managing and operating research infrastructures . ### the aims shall be to encourage research infrastructures to act as early adopters or developers of technology , to promote r&d partnerships with industry , to facilitate industrial use of research infrastructures and to stimulate the creation of innovation clusters . this activity shall also support education and training and / or exchanges of staff using , managing and operating research infrastructures , including a secondment scheme for senior staff and project managers .


### ict underpins innovation and competitiveness across a broad range of private and public markets and sectors , and enables scientific progress in all disciplines . over the next decade , the transformative impact of digital technologies , ict components , infrastructures and services will be increasingly visible in all areas of life . unlimited computing , communication and data storage resources will be available to every citizen on the globe . vast amounts of information and data will be generated by sensors , machines and information - enhanced products , making action at a distance a commonplace , enabling global deployment of business processes and sustainable production sites and bringing a wide range of services and applications . many critical commercial and public services and all key processes of knowledge production in science , learning , business and the public sector will be provided through ict . ict will provide the critical infrastructure for production and business processes , communication and transactions . ict will also be indispensable in contributing to key societal challenges , as well as societal processes such as community formation , consumer behaviour , and public governance , for example by means of social media . ### ict underpins innovation and competitiveness across a broad range of private and public markets and sectors , and enables scientific progress in all disciplines . over the next decade , the transformative impact of digital technologies , ict components , infrastructures and services will be increasingly visible in all areas of life . unlimited computing , communication and data storage resources will be available to every citizen on the globe . vast amounts of information and data will be generated by sensors , machines and information - enhanced products , making action at a distance a commonplace , enabling global deployment of business processes and sustainable production sites and bringing a wide range of services and applications . many critical commercial and public services and all key processes of knowledge production in science , learning , business and the public sector will be provided through ict . ict will provide the critical infrastructure for production and business processes , communication and transactions . ict will also be indispensable in contributing to key societal challenges , as well as societal processes such as community formation , consumer behaviour , and public governance and gender equality , for example by means of social media .


### ict underpins innovation and competitiveness across a broad range of private and public markets and sectors , and enables scientific progress in all disciplines . over the next decade , the transformative impact of digital technologies , ict components , infrastructures and services will be increasingly visible in all areas of life . unlimited computing , communication and data storage resources will be available to every citizen on the globe . vast amounts of information and data will be generated by sensors , machines and information - enhanced products , making action at a distance a commonplace , enabling global deployment of business processes and sustainable production sites and bringing a wide range of services and applications . many critical commercial and public services and all key processes of knowledge production in science , learning , business and the public sector will be provided through ict . ict will provide the critical infrastructure for production and business processes , communication and transactions . ict will also be indispensable in contributing to key societal challenges , as well as societal processes such as community formation , consumer behaviour , and public governance , for example by means of social media . ### ict underpins innovation and competitiveness across a broad range of private and public markets and sectors , and enables scientific progress in all disciplines . over the next decade , the transformative impact of digital technologies , ict components , infrastructures and services will be increasingly visible in all areas of life . unlimited computing , communication and data storage resources will be available to every citizen on the globe . vast amounts of information and data will be generated by sensors , machines and information - enhanced products , making action at a distance a commonplace , enabling global deployment of business processes and sustainable production sites and bringing a wide range of services and applications . many critical commercial and public services and all key processes of knowledge production in science , learning , business and the public sector will be provided through ict . ict will provide the critical infrastructure for production and business processes , communication and transactions . ict will also be indispensable in contributing to key societal challenges , as well as societal processes such as community formation , consumer behaviour , and public governance , for example by means of social media . it is crucial to support and integrate research on a usercentered perspective on standards , technologies and systems in order to develop competitive solutions .


### ict underpins innovation and competitiveness across a broad range of private and public markets and sectors , and enables scientific progress in all disciplines . over the next decade , the transformative impact of digital technologies , ict components , infrastructures and services will be increasingly visible in all areas of life . unlimited computing , communication and data storage resources will be available to every citizen on the globe . vast amounts of information and data will be generated by sensors , machines and information - enhanced products , making action at a distance a commonplace , enabling global deployment of business processes and sustainable production sites and bringing a wide range of services and applications . many critical commercial and public services and all key processes of knowledge production in science , learning , business and the public sector will be provided through ict . ict will provide the critical infrastructure for production and business processes , communication and transactions . ict will also be indispensable in contributing to key societal challenges , as well as societal processes such as community formation , consumer behaviour , and public governance , for example by means of social media . ### ict underpins innovation and competitiveness across a broad range of private and public markets and sectors , and enables scientific progress in all disciplines . over the next decade , the transformative impact of digital technologies , ict components , infrastructures and services will be increasingly visible in all areas of life . unlimited computing , communication and data storage resources will be available to every citizen on the globe . vast amounts of information and data will be generated by sensors , machines and information - enhanced products , making action at a distance a commonplace , enabling global deployment of business processes and sustainable production sites and bringing a wide range of services and applications . many critical commercial and public services and all key processes of knowledge production in science , learning , business and the public sector will be provided , and thus made more accessible , through ict . ict will provide the critical infrastructure for production and business processes , communication and transactions . ict will also be indispensable in contributing to key societal challenges , as well as societal processes such as community formation , consumer behaviour , and public governance , for example by means of social media .


### content technologies and information management : ict for digital content and creativity ; ### access to content technologies and information management : ict for digital content , cultural industries including cultural heritage and tourism , and creativity ;


### these six activity lines shall also include ict specific research infrastructures such as living labs for large - scale experimentation , and infrastructures for underlying key enabling technologies and their integration in advanced products and innovative smart systems , including equipment , tools , support services , clean rooms and access to foundries for prototyping . ### these seven activity lines shall also include ict specific research infrastructures such as living labs for large - scale experimentation , and infrastructures for underlying key enabling technologies and their integration in advanced products and innovative smart systems , including equipment , tools , support services , clean rooms and access to foundries for prototyping .


### the specific objective of advanced materials research and innovation is to develop materials with new functionalities and improved in - service performance , for more competitive products that minimise the impact on the environment and the consumption of resources . ### the specific objective of advanced materials research and innovation is to develop materials with new functionalities , or for a given function , and improved in - service performance , for more competitive products that are more accessible to consumers and minimise the impact on the environment and the consumption of resources .


### materials for creative industries ### conserving and making better use of europe’s heritage


### metrology , characterisation , standardisation and quality control ### metrology , characterisation , standardisation , certification and quality control


### research and development for new and innovative techniques and systems . ### research and development for new and innovative production techniques for materials , components and systems .


### developing new products and applications , and consumer behaviour that reduce energy demand , and facilitate low - carbon production . ### developing new materials , components , products and applications that reduce energy demand and facilitate low - carbon production .


### developing industrial biotechnology for competitive industrial products and processes and its environmental dimension . ### developing industrial biotechnology for competitive industrial , materials , products and sustainable processes and its environmental and health related dimension .


### technologies enabling energy - efficient buildings ### technologies enabling energy - efficient buildings and technologies enabling buildings with low environmental impact


### the specific objective of space research and innovation is to foster a competitive and innovative space industry and research community to develop and exploit space infrastructure to meet future union policy and societal needs . ### the specific objective of space research and innovation is , on the one hand , to enable european capability to conceive , develop , launch , operate and exploit space systems , and on the other hand , to foster a competitive and innovative space industry and research community to develop and exploit space infrastructure to meet future union policy and societal needs and support economic growth , while enabling the implementation of various important european policies .


### research , technology development and innovation underpin capacities in space which are vital to european society . while the united states of america spends around 25 % of their space budget on r&d , the union spends less than 10 % . moreover , space research in the union is fragmented in the national programmes of a few member states . to maintain the technological and competitive edge union level action is needed to coordinate space research , to promote the participation of researchers from all member states , and to lower the barriers for collaborative space research projects across national borders . this needs to be done in coordination with the european space agency , which has successfully managed industrial satellite development and deep space missions on an intergovernmental basis with a subset of the member states since 1975 . in addition , the information provided by european satellites will offer an increasing potential for further development of innovative satellite - based downstream services . this is a typical activity sector for smes and should be supported by research and innovation measures in order to reap the full benefits of this opportunity , and especially of the considerable investments made on the two union flagships galileo and gmes . ### research , technology development and innovation underpin capacities in space which are vital to european society . while the united states of america spends around 25 % of their space budget on r&d , the union spends less than 10 % . moreover , space research in the union is fragmented in the national programmes of a few member states and the esa programmes . to maintain europe’s technological and competitive edge and to capitalise on investments , in time of financial crisis and budget shortfalls , union level action is needed in conjunction with the space research activities of the member states , esa and industry . the preparation of a strategic research agenda , involving industry , the ec and space agencies should therefore be a solution to support a better - defined vision of future technological paths for the european space sector . union level action is also needed to promote the participation of researchers from all member states , and to lower the barriers for collaborative space research projects across national borders . in addition , the information provided by european satellites will offer an increasing potential for further development of innovative satellite - based downstream services . this is a typical activity sector for smes and should be supported by research and innovation measures in order to reap the full benefits of this opportunity , and especially of the considerable investments made on the two union flagships galileo and gmes .


### this entails safeguarding and developing a competitive and entrepreneurial space industry in combination with a world - class space research community to maintain european leadership and non - dependence in space technology , to foster innovation in the space sector , and to enable space - based terrestrial innovation , for example by using remote sensing and navigation data . ### this entails safeguarding and further developing a competitive and entrepreneurial space industry in combination with a world - class space research community to maintain and strengthen european leadership by ensuring the availability of needed technologies - with appropriate maturity , the required level of non - dependence , and at competitive conditions - and to maintain and strengthen non - dependence in strategic subsectors such as access to space or critical technologies , to foster innovation in the space sector , and to enable space - based terrestrial innovation , for example by using remote sensing and navigation data .


### this aims at developing advanced space technologies and operational concepts from idea to demonstration in space , including navigation and remote sensing , as well as the protection of space assets from threats such as debris and solar flares . to develop and apply advanced space technologies requires the continuous education and training of highly skilled engineers and scientists . ### this aims at developing advanced and enabling space technologies and operational concepts from idea to demonstration in space . this includes technologies for the protection of space assets from threats such as debris and solar flares as well as for satellite telecommunications , navigation and remote sensing missions . to develop and apply advanced space technologies requires the continuous education and training of highly skilled engineers and scientists as well as strong links between those and users of space applications .


### a considerably increased exploitation of data from european satellites can be achieved if a concerted effort is made to coordinate and organise the processing , validation and standardisation of space data . innovations in data handling and dissemination can also ensure a higher return on investment of space infrastructure , and contribute to tackling societal challenges , in particular if coordinated in a global effort such as through global earth observation system of systems , the european satellite navigation programme galileo or ipcc for climate change issues . ### a considerably increased exploitation of data from european satellites can be achieved if a concerted effort is made to coordinate and organise the processing , archiving , validation and standardisation and sustainable availability of space data as well as to support the development of new information products and services resulting from those data . innovations in data handling and dissemination can also ensure a higher return on investment of space infrastructure , and contribute to tackling societal challenges , in particular if coordinated in a global effort such as through global earth observation system of systems , namely by fully exploiting the gmes programme as its main european contribution , the european satellite navigation programme galileo or ipcc for climate change issues . a fast introduction of these innovations into the relevant application will be supported . this includes as well the exploitation of data for further scientific investigation .


### a considerably increased exploitation of data from european satellites can be achieved if a concerted effort is made to coordinate and organise the processing , validation and standardisation of space data . innovations in data handling and dissemination can also ensure a higher return on investment of space infrastructure , and contribute to tackling societal challenges , in particular if coordinated in a global effort such as through global earth observation system of systems , the european satellite navigation programme galileo or ipcc for climate change issues . ### a considerably increased exploitation of data from european satellites can be achieved if a concerted effort is made to coordinate and organise the processing , validation and standardisation of space data . innovations in data handling and dissemination can also ensure a higher return on investment of space infrastructure , and contribute to tackling societal challenges , in particular if coordinated in a global effort such as through global earth observation system of systems , the european programme gmes , the european satellite navigation programme galileo or ipcc for climate change issues .


### the goal is to improve access to debt financing loans , guarantees , counter - guarantees and other forms of debt and risk finance for public and private entities and public - private partnerships engaged in research and innovation activities requiring risky investments in order to come to fruition . the focus shall be on supporting research and innovation with a high potential for excellence . ### the goal is to improve access to debt financing loans , guarantees , counter - guarantees and other forms of debt and risk finance for public and private entities and public - private partnerships engaged in research and innovation activities requiring risky investments in order to come to fruition . the focus shall be on supporting research and innovation with a high risk , but also a high potential for excellence .


### smes shall be supported across horizon 2020 . for this purpose a dedicated sme instrument shall provide staged and seamless support covering the whole innovation cycle . the sme instrument shall be targeted at all types of innovative smes showing a strong ambition to develop , grow and internationalise . it shall be provided for all types of innovation , including service , non - technological and social innovations . the aim is to develop and capitalise on the innovation potential of smes by filling the gap in funding for early stage high risk research and innovation , stimulating innovations and increasing private - sector commercialisation of research results . ### smes shall be supported across horizon 2020 . for this purpose a dedicated sme instrument shall provide staged and seamless support covering the whole innovation cycle . the sme instrument shall include visible funding modules for simple and fast access and be targeted at all types of innovative smes showing a strong ambition to develop , grow and internationalise . it shall be provided for all types of innovation , including service , non - technological and social innovations . the aim is to develop and capitalise on the innovation potential of smes by filling the gap in funding for early stage high risk research and innovation , stimulating innovations and increasing private - sector commercialisation of research results . the sme instrument shall be implemented in a bottom - up logic with open calls .


### supporting market - driven innovation to improve the framework conditions for innovation and tackling the specific barriers preventing , in particular , the growth of innovative smes . ### supporting market - driven innovation to improve the framework conditions for innovation , tackling the specific barriers preventing , in particular , the growth of innovative smes , and introducing an innovation clause enabling the selection of smes proposing innovative products .


### the proposed actions aim to complement national and regional business innovation policies and programmes , to foster cooperation between smes and other innovation - relevant actors , to bridge the gap between research / development and successful market uptake , to provide a more business innovation friendly environment , including demand - side measures , and support taking into account the changing nature of innovation processes , new technologies , markets and business models . ### the proposed actions aim to complement national and regional business innovation policies and programmes , to foster cooperation between smes and other innovation - relevant actors , to bridge the gap between research / development and successful market uptake , to provide a more business innovation friendly environment , including demand - side measures and other measures geared to boosting the transfer of research carried out in the public sphere to the productive fabric , and support taking into account the changing nature of innovation processes , new technologies , markets and business models .


### smes shall be supported across horizon 2020 . for this purpose a dedicated sme instrument shall provide staged and seamless support covering the whole innovation cycle . the sme instrument shall be targeted at all types of innovative smes showing a strong ambition to develop , grow and internationalise . it shall be provided for all types of innovation , including service , non - technological and social innovations . the aim is to develop and capitalise on the innovation potential of smes by filling the gap in funding for early stage high risk research and innovation , stimulating innovations and increasing private - sector commercialisation of research results . ### smes shall be supported across horizon 2020 . for this purpose a dedicated sme instrument shall provide staged and seamless support covering the whole innovation cycle . the sme instrument shall be targeted at all types of innovative smes showing a strong ambition to develop , grow and internationalise . it shall be provided for all types of innovation , including service , non - technological and social innovations , given each activity has a clear union added - value . the aim is to develop and capitalise on the innovation potential of smes by filling the gap in funding for early stage high risk research and innovation , stimulating innovations and increasing private - sector commercialisation of research results . the instrument will provide a quality label for successful smes in view of their participation in public procurement .


### the specific objective is to improve the lifelong health and wellbeing of all . ### the specific objective is to improve the lifelong health and wellbeing of all and to eradicate inequalities in health and wellbeing determined by socio - economic status and gender .


### lifelong health and wellbeing for all , high - quality and economically sustainable health and care systems , and opportunities for new jobs and growth are the aims of support to research and innovation in response to this challenge and will make a major contribution to europe 2020 . ### equality in lifelong health and wellbeing , high - quality , economically sustainable health and innovative care systems , social welfare arrangements and opportunities for new jobs and growth are the aims of support to research and innovation in response to this challenge and will make a major contribution to europe 2020 .


### the cost of union health and social care systems is rising with care and prevention measures in all ages increasingly expensive , the number of europeans aged over 65 expected to nearly double from 85 million in 2008 to 151 million by 2060 , and those over 80 to rise from 22 to 61 million in the same period . reducing or containing these costs such that they do not become unsustainable depends in part on ensuring the lifelong health and wellbeing of all and therefore on the effective prevention , treatment and management of disease and disability . ### inequalities in health and well being are on the increase while the cost of union health and social care systems is rising with care and prevention measures in all ages increasingly expensive . the number of europeans aged over 65 is expected to nearly double from 85 million in 2008 to 151 million by 2060 , and those over 80 to rise from 22 to 61 million in the same period . ensuring equal access to health and well being , and reducing the significance of gender and socio - economic determinants , while reducing or containing these costs such that they do not become unsustainable depends in part on ensuring the lifelong health and wellbeing of all and therefore on the effective prevention , treatment and management of disease and disability .


### the response depends on excellence in research to improve our fundamental understanding of health , disease , disability , development and ageing , and on the seamless and widespread translation of the resulting and existing knowledge into innovative , scalable and effective products , strategies , interventions and services . furthermore , the pertinence of these challenges across europe and in many cases , globally , demands a response characterised by long term and coordinated support for co - operation between excellent , multidisciplinary and multi - sector teams . ### the response depends on excellence in research to improve our fundamental understanding of health , disease , disabilities and discrimination suffered by persons with disabilities as a result of inaccessible environments , development and ageing , and on the seamless and widespread translation of the resulting and existing knowledge into innovative , scalable and effective products , strategies , interventions and services . furthermore , the pertinence of these challenges across europe and in many cases , globally , demands a response characterised by long term and coordinated support for co - operation between excellent , multidisciplinary and multi - sector teams .


### the response depends on excellence in research to improve our fundamental understanding of health , disease , disability , development and ageing , and on the seamless and widespread translation of the resulting and existing knowledge into innovative , scalable and effective products , strategies , interventions and services . furthermore , the pertinence of these challenges across europe and in many cases , globally , demands a response characterised by long term and coordinated support for co - operation between excellent , multidisciplinary and multi - sector teams . ### the response depends on excellence in research to improve our fundamental understanding of the determinants of health , disease , disability , development and ageing , and on the seamless and widespread translation of the resulting and existing knowledge into innovative , scalable and effective products , strategies , interventions and services . furthermore , the pertinence of these challenges across europe and in many cases , globally , demands a response characterised by long term and coordinated support for co - operation between excellent , multidisciplinary and multi - sector teams . it is also necessary to address the challenge from the perspective of the social and economic sciences and humanities .


### effective health promotion , supported by a robust evidence base , prevents disease , improves wellbeing and is cost effective . health promotion and disease prevention also depend on an understanding of the determinants of health , on effective preventive tools , such as vaccines , on effective health and disease surveillance and preparedness , and on effective screening programmes . ### effective health promotion , supported by a robust evidence base , prevents disease , improves wellbeing and is cost effective . health promotion and disease prevention , including occupational illnesses , also depend on an understanding of the determinants of health , on effective preventive tools , such as vaccines , on effective health and disease surveillance and preparedness , and on effective screening programmes .


### successful efforts to prevent , manage , treat and cure disease , disability and reduced functionality are underpinned by the fundamental understanding of their determinants and causes , processes and impacts , as well as factors underlying good health and wellbeing . effective sharing of data and the linkage of these data with large scale cohort studies is also essential , as is the translation of research findings into the clinic , in particular through the conduct of clinical trials . ### successful efforts to prevent , manage , treat and cure disease , disability and reduced functionality are underpinned by the fundamental understanding of their determinants and causes , processes and impacts , including disability - related discrimination and existing barriers in the social environment , as well as factors underlying good health and wellbeing . effective sharing of data and the linkage of these data with large scale cohort studies is also essential , as is the translation of research findings into the clinic , in particular through the conduct of clinical trials .


### specific activities shall include : understanding the determinants of health , improving health promotion and disease prevention ; understanding disease and improving diagnosis ; developing effective screening programmes and improving the assessment of disease susceptibility ; improving surveillance and preparedness ; developing better preventive vaccines ; using in - silico medicine for improving disease management and prediction ; treating disease ; transferring knowledge to clinical practice and scalable innovation actions ; better use of health data ; active ageing , independent and assisted living ; individual empowerment for self - management of health ; promotion of integrated care ; improving scientific tools and methods to support policy making and regulatory needs ; and optimising the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare systems and reducing inequalities by evidence based decision making and dissemination of best practice , and innovative technologies and approaches . ### specific activities shall include : understanding the determinants of health , improving health promotion and disease prevention ; understanding disease and improving diagnosis ; developing effective screening programmes and improving the assessment of disease susceptibility ; improving surveillance and preparedness ; developing better preventive vaccines ; using in - silico medicine for improving disease management and prediction ; treating disease ; transferring knowledge to clinical practice and scalable innovation actions ; better use of health data ; understanding inequalities caused by the type , adequacy and quality of the care and treatment system available to persons with disabilities and the consequences thereof ; studying policies and practices promoting the inclusion of the users concerned in defining care systems , active ageing , independent and assisted living for the elderly and diabled , particularly those requiring more intensive support ; ; individual empowerment for self - management of health ; promotion of integrated care ; improving scientific tools and methods to support policy making and regulatory needs ; and optimising the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare systems and reducing inequalities by evidence based decision making such as studies on european health systems and assessments of their effectiveness in meeting the needs of persons with disabilities , particularly as regards getting and keeping a job , dissemination of best practice , and innovative technologies and approaches .


### to maximise the impact of union level actions , support will be provided to the full spectrum of research and innovation activities . from basic research through translation of knowledge to large trials and demonstration actions , mobilising private investment ; to public and pre - commercial procurement for new products , services , scalable solutions , which are when necessary , interoperable and supported by defined standards and / or common guidelines . this co - ordinated , european effort will contribute to the ongoing development of the era . it will also interface , as and when appropriate , with activities developed in the context of the health for growth programme and the european innovation partnership on active and health ageing . ### to maximise the impact of union level actions , support will be provided to the full spectrum of research and innovation activities . from basic research through translation of fundamental knowledge on disease to new therapeutics , to large trials and demonstration actions , mobilising private investment ; to public and pre - commercial procurement for new products , services , scalable solutions , which are when necessary , interoperable and supported by defined standards and / or common guidelines . in order to foster strategic coordination of health research and innovation across horizon 2020 and promote transnational medical research , the corresponding sectoral steering board for health will be established . this coordination can be extended to other programmes and instruments related to this challenge . this co - ordinated , european effort will increase the scientific and human capabilities in health research and contribute to the ongoing development of the era . it will also interface , as and when appropriate , with activities developed in the context of the health for growth programme and the european innovation partnership on active and health ageing .


### the strategic energy technology plan offers such a strategic approach . it provides a long term agenda to address the key innovation bottlenecks that energy technologies are facing at the frontier research and r&d / proof - of - concept stages and at the demonstration stage when companies seek capital to finance large , first - of - a - kind projects and to open the market deployment process . ### the strategic energy technology plan offers such a strategic approach . it provides a long term agenda to address the key innovation bottlenecks that energy technologies are facing at the frontier research and r&d / proof - of - concept stages and at the demonstration stage when companies seek capital to finance large , first - of - a - kind projects and to open the market deployment process . besides the many technologies represented in the set - plan , other newly emerging technologies with disruptive potential will not be neglected .


### activities shall focus on research , development and full scale demonstration of new grid technologies , including storage , systems and market designs to plan , monitor , control and safely operate interoperable networks in an open , decarbonised , climate resilient and competitive market , under normal and emergency conditions . ### activities shall focus on research , development and full scale demonstration of new grid technologies , including storage , systems and market designs to plan , monitor , control and safely operate interoperable networks in an open , decarbonised , climate resilient and competitive market , under normal and emergency conditions . special attention shall be given to ‘ intelligent grids’ in rural areas , which present specific challenges and require innovative technological advances .


### the resources required to implement the set plan in full have been estimated at eur 8 billion per year over the next 10 years . this is well beyond the capacity of individual member states or research and industrial stakeholders alone . investments in research and innovation at union level are needed , combined with mobilisation of efforts across europe in the form of joint implementation and risk and capacity sharing . union funding of energy research and innovation shall therefore complement member states ' activities by focusing on activities with clear union added value , in particular those with high potential to leverage national resources . action at union level shall also support high - risk , high - cost , long - term programmes beyond the reach of individual member states , pool efforts to reduce investment risks in large - scale activities such as industrial demonstration and develop europe - wide , interoperable energy solutions . ### the resources required to implement the set plan in full have been estimated at eur 8 billion per year over the next 10 years . this is well beyond the capacity of individual member states or research and industrial stakeholders alone . investments in research and innovation at union level are needed , combined with mobilisation of efforts across europe in the form of joint implementation and risk and capacity sharing . union funding of energy research and innovation shall therefore complement member states ' activities by focusing on activities with clear union added value , in particular those with high potential to leverage national resources and should focus on supporting projects between partners of different countries that want to work collaboratively . action at union level shall also support high - risk , high - cost , long - term programmes beyond the reach of individual member states , pool efforts to reduce investment risks in large - scale activities such as industrial demonstration and develop europe - wide , interoperable energy solutions .


### development of talented , skilled and entrepreneurial people with the aid of education and training ### development of talented , skilled and entrepreneurial people , both women and men , with the aid of education and training ;


### the eit shall fully integrate education and training at all stages of careers and develop new and innovative curricula to reflect the need for new profiles engendered by complex societal and economic challenges . to this end , the eit will play a key role in encouraging recognition of new degrees and diplomas in member states . ### the eit shall fully integrate education and training at all stages of careers and develop new and innovative curricula to reflect the need for new profiles engendered by complex societal and economic challenges . a gender dimension shall be integrated in the analysis of needs for new profiles . this is why , more than any other instrument of horizon 2020 , the eit will hold a major responsibility in systematically targeting young female talents to bring the waste of those talents to an end in the european research area . in the same way it shall envisage education and training in a gender - sensitive way as the renewal of tomorrow ' s scientific and entrepreneurial landscape will start at the education stage and through training . finally , it shall integrate the gender dimension in new curricula as way to ensure the efficiency and quality of training and education as well as its innovative dimension . to this end , the eit will play a key role in encouraging recognition of new degrees and diplomas in member states .


### the eit , via its kics , operates in line with business logic . strong leadership is a pre - requisite : each kic is driven by a ceo . kic partners are represented by single legal entities to allow more streamlined decision - making . kics must produce annual business plans , including an ambitious portfolio of activities from education to business creation , with clear targets and deliverables , looking for both market and societal impact . the current rules concerning participation , evaluation and monitoring of kics allow fast - track , business - like decisions . ### the eit , via its kics , operates in line with business logic . strong leadership is a pre - requisite : each kic is driven by a ceo . kic partners are represented by single legal entities to allow more streamlined decision - making . kics must produce annual result oriented business plans , including an ambitious portfolio of activities from education to business creation , with clear targets and deliverables , looking for both market and societal impact . the current rules concerning participation , evaluation and monitoring of kics allow fast - track , business - like decisions .


### the eit shall aim to unleash the innovative potential of people and capitalise on their ideas , irrespective of their place in the innovation chain . thereby , the eit will also help to address the ‘ european paradox’ that excellent existing research is far from being harnessed to the full . in doing so , the eit shall help to bring ideas to the market . chiefly via its kics and its focus on fostering entrepreneurial mindsets , it will create new business opportunities in the form of both start - ups and spin - offs but also within existing industry . ### the eit shall aim to unleash the innovative potential of people and capitalise on their ideas , irrespective of their place in the innovation chain . thereby , the eit will also help to address the ‘ european paradox’ that excellent existing research is far from being harnessed to the full . in doing so , the eit shall help to bring ideas to the market and stimulate the awareness of the importance of transferring scientific discoveries to industry . chiefly via its kics and its focus on fostering entrepreneurial mindsets , it will create new business opportunities in the form of both start - ups and spin - offs but also within existing industry .


### the eit ' s strategy and activities shall be driven by a focus on societal challenges that are of utmost relevance to the future , such as climate change or sustainable energy . by addressing key societal challenges in a comprehensive way , the eit will promote inter - and multi - disciplinary approaches and help focus the research efforts of the partners in the kics . ### the eit ' s strategy and activities shall be driven by a focus on societal challenges that are of utmost relevance to the future , such as climate change or sustainable energy . the eit will do this by sectorial and cross - sectorial innovation , based upon excellence in disciplines and aim at sectors capable of addressing global challenges .


### the eit shall fully integrate education and training at all stages of careers and develop new and innovative curricula to reflect the need for new profiles engendered by complex societal and economic challenges . to this end , the eit will play a key role in encouraging recognition of new degrees and diplomas in member states . ### the eit shall fully integrate education and training at all stages of careers and support and facilitate the development of new and innovative curricula to reflect the need for new profiles engendered by complex societal and economic challenges . to this end , the eit will play a key role in encouraging recognition of new degrees and diplomas in member states .


### the specific feature of the eit is to integrate education and entrepreneurship with research and innovation as links in a single innovation chain across the union and beyond . ### the specific feature of the eit is to integrate education and entrepreneurship with research and innovation as links in a single innovation chain across the union and beyond , leading to an increase of innovative services , products and processes brought to the market .


### talent is a key ingredient of innovation . the eit nurtures people and interactions between them , by putting students , researchers and entrepreneurs at the centre of its innovation model . the eit will provide an entrepreneurial and creative culture and cross - disciplinary education to talented people , via eit - labelled masters and phd degrees , intended to emerge as an internationally recognised brand of excellence . in doing so , the eit strongly promotes mobility within the knowledge triangle . ### talent is a key ingredient of innovation . the eit nurtures people and interactions between them , by putting students , researchers and entrepreneurs at the centre of its innovation model . the eit will provide an entrepreneurial and creative culture and cross - disciplinary education to talented people , via eit - labelled masters and phd degrees , intended to emerge as an internationally recognised brand of excellence . in doing so , the eit ensures optimum development and dynamic use of europe ' s intellectual capital and strongly promotes mobility within the knowledge triangle .


### the eit shall aim to unleash the innovative potential of people and capitalise on their ideas , irrespective of their place in the innovation chain . thereby , the eit will also help to address the ‘ european paradox’ that excellent existing research is far from being harnessed to the full . in doing so , the eit shall help to bring ideas to the market . chiefly via its kics and its focus on fostering entrepreneurial mindsets , it will create new business opportunities in the form of both start - ups and spin - offs but also within existing industry . ### the eit shall aim to unleash the innovative potential of people and capitalise on their ideas , irrespective of their place in the innovation chain . thereby , the eit will also help to address the ' european paradox ' that excellent existing research is far from being harnessed to the full . in doing so , the eit shall help to transfer knowledge and technology in order to bring ideas to the market . chiefly via its kics and its focus on fostering entrepreneurial mindsets , it will create new business opportunities in the form of both start - ups and spin - offs but also within existing industry . focus will not only be on technological innovations but also on social and non - technological innovation and the promotion of social entrepreneurship .


### the eit ' s strategy and activities shall be driven by a focus on societal challenges that are of utmost relevance to the future , such as climate change or sustainable energy . by addressing key societal challenges in a comprehensive way , the eit will promote inter - and multi - disciplinary approaches and help focus the research efforts of the partners in the kics . ### the eit ' s strategy and activities shall be driven by a focus on societal challenges that are of utmost relevance to the future , such as climate change or sustainable energy . by addressing key societal challenges in a comprehensive way , the eit will promote inter - and multi - disciplinary approaches and help focus the research efforts of the partners in the kics . in particular the eit will develop the potential for non - technological , organisational and systems innovation as well as social entrepreneurship as a necessary complement to its technological and industrial focus ;


### the eit shall aim to pioneer new approaches in innovation and to develop a common innovation and knowledge - transfer culture , among other things by sharing the diverse experience of its kics via various dissemination mechanisms , such as a stakeholder platform and a fellowship scheme . ### the eit shall aim to pioneer new approaches in innovation and to develop a common innovation and knowledge - transfer culture , paying special attention to smes . this could happen , among other things , by sharing the diverse experience of its kics via various dissemination mechanisms , such as a stakeholder platform , patent pools and a fellowship scheme .


### the eit will make a strong contribution to the objectives set in horizon 2020 , in particular by addressing societal challenges in a way complementing other initiatives in these areas . it will test out new and simplified approaches to funding and governance and thereby play a pioneering role within the european innovation landscape . its approach to funding will be firmly based on a strong leverage effect , mobilising both public and private funds . moreover , it will employ entirely new vehicles for targeted support to individual activities through the eit foundation . ### the eit will make a strong contribution to the objectives set in horizon 2020 , in particular by addressing societal challenges in a way complementing other initiatives in these areas . it will test out new and simplified approaches to funding and governance and thereby play a pioneering role within the european innovation landscape . a large part of the annual contribution will be attributed to kics in a competitive way , based on the evaluation of their yearly annual plans , objectives , obtained results and further potential . its approach to funding will be firmly based on a strong leverage effect , mobilising both public and private funds . moreover , it will employ entirely new vehicles for targeted support to individual activities through the eit foundation .


### to stay at the forefront of global competition with a strong technological base and industrial capabilities , increased strategic investments in research , development , validation and piloting are required in information and communication technologies ; nanotechnologies ; advanced materials ; biotechnology ; advanced manufacturing and processing ; and space . ### to stay at the forefront of global competition with a strong technological base and industrial capabilities , increased strategic investments in research , development , validation and piloting are required in information and communication technologies ; nanotechnologies ; advanced materials ; renewable energy technologies and biotechnology ; advanced manufacturing and processing ; ; and space .


### a major component of ‘ leadership in enabling and industrial technologies’ are key enabling technologies , defined as micro - and nanoelectronics , photonics , nanotechnology , biotechnology , advanced materials and advanced manufacturing systems . these multi - disciplinary , knowledge and capital - intensive technologies cut across many diverse sectors providing the basis for significant competitive advantage for european industry . an integrated approach , promoting the combination , convergence and cross - fertilisation effect of kets in different innovation cycles and value chains can deliver promising research results and open the way to new industrial technologies , products , services and novel applications . the numerous interactions of kets and enabling technologies will therefore be exploited in a flexible manner , as an important source of innovation . this will complement support for research and innovation in kets that may be provided by national or regional authorities under the cohesion policy funds within the framework of smart specialisation strategies . ### a major component of ‘ leadership in enabling and industrial technologies’ are key enabling technologies , defined as micro - and nanoelectronics , photonics , nanotechnology , biotechnology , advanced materials and advanced manufacturing systems . these multi - disciplinary , knowledge and capital - intensive technologies cut across many diverse sectors of both scientific and technological research providing the basis for significant competitive advantage for european industry . an integrated approach , promoting the combination , convergence and cross - fertilisation effect of kets in different innovation cycles and value chains can deliver promising both theoretical and applied research results and open the way to new industrial technologies , products , services and novel applications . the numerous interactions of kets and enabling technologies will therefore be exploited in a flexible manner , as an important source of innovation . this will complement support for research and innovation in kets that may be provided by national or regional authorities under the cohesion policy funds within the framework of smart specialisation strategies .


### union level collaboration can also support trade opportunities through the development of european or international standards for new emerging products and services and technologies . activities in support of standardisation and interoperability , safety and pre - regulatory activities will be promoted . ### union level collaboration shall also support trade opportunities through the development of european or international standards for new emerging products and services and technologies . that development of these standards would produce a positive dynamic emerged from consultation of all the sector’s stakeholders , both scientific and industrial . activities in support of standardisation and interoperability , safety and pre - regulatory activities will be promoted .


### a major component of ‘ leadership in enabling and industrial technologies’ are key enabling technologies , defined as micro - and nanoelectronics , photonics , nanotechnology , biotechnology , advanced materials and advanced manufacturing systems . these multi - disciplinary , knowledge and capital - intensive technologies cut across many diverse sectors providing the basis for significant competitive advantage for european industry . an integrated approach , promoting the combination , convergence and cross - fertilisation effect of kets in different innovation cycles and value chains can deliver promising research results and open the way to new industrial technologies , products , services and novel applications . the numerous interactions of kets and enabling technologies will therefore be exploited in a flexible manner , as an important source of innovation . this will complement support for research and innovation in kets that may be provided by national or regional authorities under the cohesion policy funds within the framework of smart specialisation strategies . ### a major component of ‘ leadership in enabling and industrial technologies’ are key enabling technologies , defined as micro - and nanoelectronics , photonics , nanotechnology , biotechnology , advanced materials and advanced manufacturing systems . these multi - disciplinary , knowledge and capital - intensive technologies cut across many diverse sectors providing the basis for significant competitive advantage for european industry and for creating new jobs . an integrated approach , promoting the combination , convergence and cross - fertilisation effect of kets in different innovation cycles and value chains can deliver promising research results and open the way to new industrial technologies , products , services as well as novel applications and sustainable approaches . the numerous interactions of kets and enabling technologies will therefore be exploited in a flexible manner , as an important source of innovation . this will complement support for research and innovation in kets that may be provided by national or regional authorities under the cohesion policy funds within the framework of smart specialisation strategies .


### passengers should , in addition to compensation in accordance with applicable national law in the event of death or personal injury or loss of or damage to luggage due to accidents arising out of the use of the bus or coach , be entitled to assistance with regard to their immediate practical needs following an accident . such assistance could include first aid , accommodation , food , clothes and transport . ### passengers should , in addition to compensation in accordance with applicable national law in the event of death or personal injury or loss of or damage to luggage due to accidents arising out of the use of the bus or coach , be entitled to assistance with regard to their immediate practical and financial needs following an accident . such assistance should include , where necessary , first aid , accommodation , food , clothes , transport and funeral expenses .


### inconvenience experienced by passengers due to cancellation or long delay of their journey should be reduced . to this end , passengers departing from terminals should be adequately looked after and informed . passengers should also be able to cancel their journey and have their tickets reimbursed or to continue their journey or to obtain re - routing under satisfactory conditions . ### inconvenience experienced by passengers due to cancellation or long delay of their journey should be reduced . to this end , passengers departing from terminals should be adequately looked after and informed . passengers should also be able to cancel their journey and have their tickets reimbursed or to continue their journey or to obtain re - routing under satisfactory conditions . where carriers do not provide passengers with the necessary assistance , passengers should be entitled to financial compensation proportional to the inconvenience they have suffered . the above provisions should not apply in the event of force majeure , such as severe weather conditions endangering passengers ' safety .


### immediate practical needs of passengers in the event of an accident arising out of the use of the bus or coach , the carrier shall provide reasonable assistance with regard to the passengers ' immediate practical needs following the accident . any assistance shall not constitute recognition of liability . ### immediate practical and financial needs of passengers in the event of an accident arising out of the use of the bus or coach , the carrier shall provide assistance with regard to the passengers ' immediate practical needs following the accident . such assistance should include , where necessary , first aid , accommodation , food , clothes , transport and funeral expenses . 2 . in the event of death or injury , the carrier shall pay a financial sum to each passenger , which shall be paid in advance as soon as possible after the accident , to cover immediate financial needs , proportional to the damage suffered . the remaining amount of the expenses incurred in covering those needs should be paid immediately once the transport undertaking is proved to be culpable . no payment made in advance or assistance provided shall constitute recognition of liability .


### for a journey of a scheduled duration of more than three hours the carrier shall , in case of cancellation or delay in departure from a terminal of more than two hours , offer the passenger free of charge : ### for a journey of a scheduled duration of more than three hours the carrier shall , in case of cancellation or delay in departure from a terminal of more than one hour , offer the passenger free of charge :


### carriers and terminal managing bodies shall , within their respective areas of competence , ensure that passengers are provided with appropriate and comprehensible information regarding their rights under this regulation at the latest on departure . the information shall be provided at terminals and where applicable , on the internet . this information shall include contact details of the enforcement body or bodies designated by the member state pursuant to article 27 . ### carriers and terminal managing bodies shall , within their respective areas of competence , ensure that passengers are provided with appropriate and comprehensible information regarding their rights under this regulation at the latest on departure . the information shall be provided in accessible formats , and according to a common conceptual model for public transport data and systems , at terminals and where applicable , on the internet . this information shall include contact details of the enforcement body or bodies designated by the member state pursuant to article 27 .


### draft legislative resolution ### emphasises that the provisions of point 47 of the interinstitutional agreement of 17 may 2006 will apply to the regulation amending council regulation no 1321 / 2004 on the establishment of structures for the management of the european satellite radio - navigation programmes ; stresses that , should the proposed regulation be adopted , parliament will enter into negotiations with the other arm of the budgetary authority with a view to coming to a timely agreement on the financing of the gnss agency in line with the relevant provisions of the iia ;


### the executive director ' s term shall be four years . this term of office shall be renewable once for another four - year period . ### the executive director ' s term shall be five years . this term of office shall be renewable once for another five - year period ;


### the executive director’s term shall be four years . this term of office shall be renewable once for another four - year period . ### the executive director’s term shall be five years . this term of office shall be renewable once for a further four - year period .


### . ### article 11 is replaced by the following : without prejudice to other resources and dues yet to be defined , revenue of the agency shall include a community subsidy entered in the general budget of the european union in order to ensure a balance between revenue and expenditure . the financing of the agency is subject to an agreement by the budgetary authority as provided for in point 47 of the interinstitutional agreement of 17 may 2006 on budgetary discipline and sound financial management . the union budgetary procedure should be applicable to the union contribution and to any grant chargeable to the general budget of the european union . the auditing of accounts should be undertaken by the european court of auditors ;


### to ensure legal certainty , regulation no 261 / 2004 should explicitly confirm that the changing of flight schedules has a similar impact on passengers to long delays and should therefore give rise to similar rights . ### to ensure legal certainty , regulation no 261 / 2004 should explicitly confirm that the changing of flight schedules has a similar impact on passengers to long delays and cancellations and should therefore give rise to similar rights .


### for disabled persons , persons with reduced mobility and other persons with special needs such as unaccompanied children , pregnant women and persons in need of specific medical attention , it may be more difficult to arrange accommodation when flight disruptions occur . therefore , any limitations on the right for accommodation in cases of extraordinary circumstances or for regional operations should not apply to these categories of passenger . ### for the most vulnerable passengers , such as disabled persons , persons with reduced mobility and other persons with special needs such as unaccompanied children , pregnant women and persons in need of specific medical attention , it may be more difficult to arrange accommodation when flight disruptions occur . therefore , any limitations on the right for accommodation in cases of extraordinary circumstances or for regional operations should not apply to these categories of passenger .


### passengers should not only be correctly informed about their rights in cases of flight disruption , but they should also be adequately informed about the cause of the disruption itself , as soon as the information becomes available . this information should also be provided where the passenger has acquired the ticket through an intermediary established in the union . ### passengers should not only be correctly informed about their rights in cases of flight disruption , but they should also be adequately informed about the cause of the disruption itself , as soon as the information becomes available . this information should also be provided where the passenger has acquired the ticket through an intermediary established in the union . passengers should also be informed as to the simplest and most rapid procedures for making claims and complaints , enabling them to exercise their rights .


### if boarding is denied to passengers against their will , the operating air carrier shall immediately compensate them in accordance with article 7 and assist them in accordance with article 8 . where the passenger opts for rerouting at the earliest opportunity pursuant to article 8 and where the departure time is at least two hours after the initial departure time , the operating carrier shall assist the passenger in accordance with article 9 . ### if boarding is denied to passengers against their will , the operating air carrier shall immediately and without any further formality compensate them in accordance with article 7 and assist them in accordance with article 8 . where the passenger opts for rerouting at the earliest opportunity pursuant to article 8 and where the departure time is at least two hours after the initial departure time , the operating carrier shall assist the passenger in accordance with article 9 .


### an operating air carrier shall not be obliged to pay compensation in accordance with article 7 if it can prove that the cancellation is caused by extraordinary circumstances and that the cancellation could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken . such extraordinary circumstances can only be invoked in so far they affect the flight concerned or the previous flight operated by the same aircraft . ### an operating air carrier shall not be obliged to pay compensation in accordance with article 7 if it can prove that the cancellation is caused by extraordinary circumstances and that the cancellation could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken . such extraordinary circumstances can only be invoked in so far they affect the flight concerned or the previous flight operated by the same aircraft . where the air carrier does not produce such evidence in writing , in view of a passenger ' s claim , the compensation remains due .


### an operating air carrier shall not be obliged to pay compensation in accordance with article 7 if it can prove that the cancellation is caused by extraordinary circumstances and that the cancellation could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken . such extraordinary circumstances can only be invoked insofar they affect the flight concerned or the previous flight operated by the same aircraft . ### an operating air carrier shall not be obliged to pay compensation in accordance with article 7 if it can prove that the cancellation is caused by extraordinary circumstances and that the cancellation could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken . such extraordinary circumstances can only be invoked insofar they affect the flight concerned or the previous flight operated by the same aircraft . should the operating air carrier not provide evidence , within two weeks , of what the specific extraordinary circumstances outside its area of responsibility were and that all necessary action was taken to prevent the flight from being cancelled or delayed , the passenger shall receive , without delay , the compensation provided for by this regulation .


### when the delay is of at least five hours and includes one or several nights , the assistance specified in article 9 and 9 ; and ### when the delay is of at least three hours and includes one or more nights , the assistance specified in article 9 and 9 ; and


### if the operating air carrier can prove that the cancellation , delay or change of schedule is caused by extraordinary circumstances and that the cancellation , delay or change of schedule could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken , it may limit the total cost of accommodation provided according to paragraph 1 to eur 100 per night and per passenger and to a maximum of 3 nights . if the operating air carrier chooses to apply this limitation , it shall nevertheless provide the passengers with information about available accommodation after the three nights , in addition to the continued obligations for information specified in article 14 . ### if the operating air carrier can prove that the cancellation , delay or change of schedule is caused by extraordinary circumstances and that the cancellation , delay or change of schedule could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken correctly , it may limit the total cost of accommodation provided according to paragraph 1 to eur 200 per night and per passenger .


### where a passenger opts for reimbursement pursuant to article 8 while being at the departure airport of his journey , or opts for rerouting at a later date pursuant to article 8 , the passenger shall have no further rights with regard to care under article 9 in relation to the relevant flight . ### where a passenger opts for reimbursement pursuant to article 8 while being at the departure airport of his journey , or opts for rerouting at a later date pursuant to article 8 , the passenger shall have no further rights with regard to care under articles 9 and 9 in relation to the relevant flight .


### the following circumstances shall be considered as extraordinary : ### the following circumstances shall be uncontestably considered as extraordinary :


### if the baggage is damaged , delayed , lost or destroyed , the passenger must in all cases write and complain to the air carrier as soon as possible . a time limit to complain of 7 days applies in case the baggage was damaged and 21 days in case it was delayed , in both cases from the date on which the baggage was placed at the passenger ' s disposal . in order to easily meet these deadlines , the air carrier must offer passengers the possibility to fill in a complaint form at the airport . such complaint form , which may also take the form of a property irregularity report , must be accepted by the air carrier at the airport as a complaint . ### if the baggage is damaged , delayed , lost or destroyed , the passenger must in all cases write and complain to the air carrier as soon as possible . a time limit to complain of 28 days applies in case the baggage was damaged and delayed , from the date on which the baggage was placed at the passenger ' s disposal . in order to easily meet these deadlines , the air carrier must offer passengers the possibility to fill in a complaint form at the airport . such complaint form , which may also take the form of a property irregularity report , must be accepted by the air carrier at the airport as a complaint .


### where bilateral safeguard measures are deemed unnecessary the investigation and proceeding shall be terminated on the basis of the procedure referred to in article 11 . 2 . ### where bilateral safeguard measures are deemed unnecessary the investigation and proceeding shall be terminated on the basis of the procedure referred to in article 11 . 2 . 2 . without prejudice to paragraph 1 , if the european parliament expresses an objection to the draft decision not to impose bilateral safeguard measures , on the grounds that this decision would negate the intention of the legislator , the commission shall re - examine the draft decision . taking the reasons for the objection into account and within the time - limits of the procedure underway , the commission may submit a new draft decision to the committee or submit a proposal to the european parliament and the council in accordance with the treaty . the commission shall inform the european parliament , the council and the committee of the action which it intends to take and of its reasons for doing so . 3 . the commission shall make public , with due regard to the protection of confidential information within the meaning of article 9 , a report with a summary of the material facts and considerations relevant to the determinations .


### precise information on the nature , specifications and location of certain space objects may affect the security of the european union or its member states . adequate security considerations should therefore be taken into account in the establishment and operation of the network of sst sensors , the capacity to process and analyse sst data and the provision of sst services . it is therefore necessary to lay down general provisions on the use and secure exchange of sst data and information between the member states , the eusc and the recipients of sst services in this decision . furthermore , the european commission and the european external action service should define the coordination mechanisms needed to address matters related to the security of the sst support programme . ### precise information on the nature , specifications and location of certain space objects may affect the security of the european union or its member states . adequate security considerations should therefore be taken into account in the establishment and operation of the network of sst sensors , the capacity to process and analyse sst data and the provision of sst services . it is therefore necessary to lay down general provisions on the use and secure exchange of sst data and information between the member states , the eusc and the recipients of sst services in this decision . in this respect , the existing infrastructure and expertise should be employed to avoid duplication , and create savings and synergies . furthermore , the european commission and the european external action service should define the coordination mechanisms needed to address matters related to the security of the sst support programme .


### for the smooth functioning of direct payments in calendar year 2013 , it is necessary to extend the net ceilings set out for calendar year 2012 to 2013 and adjust them where necessary , in particular as regards the increases resulting from the phasing - in of direct payments in the new member states and the cessation of voluntary modulation provided for in council regulation no 378 / 2007 of 27 march 2007 laying down rules for voluntary modulation of direct payments provided for in regulation no 1782 / 2003 establishing common rules for direct support schemes under the common agricultural policy and establishing certain support schemes for farmers . ### for the smooth functioning of direct payments in calendar year 2013 , it is necessary to extend the net ceilings set out for calendar year 2012 to 2013 and adjust them where necessary , in particular as regards the increases resulting from the phasing - in of direct payments in the new member states .


### the financial transfers to the european agricultural fund for rural development provided for in articles 134 , 135 and 136 of regulation no 73 / 2009 relate to the 2007 - 2013 multi - annual financial perspectives . however , calendar year 2013 corresponds to financial year 2014 falling under the next multi - annual financial framework which permanently sets out the amounts available for rural development programming . consequently , such financial transfers should be abolished . ### the financial transfers to the european agricultural fund for rural development provided for in articles 134 and 135 of regulation no 73 / 2009 relate to the 2007 - 2013 multi - annual financial perspectives . however , calendar year 2013 corresponds to financial year 2014 falling under the next multi - annual financial framework which permanently sets out the amounts available for rural development programming . consequently , such financial transfers should be abolished .


### in article 11a the following paragraph 3 is added : 3 . in order to ensure an optimal implementation of the adjustment of direct payments in 2013 and financial discipline , the commission may , by means of delegated acts , adopt rules concerning the basis of calculation for reductions to be applied to the farmers by the member states due to the adjustment of payments in 2013 and financial discipline as provided for in articles 10a and 11 . ### the following article is inserted : ' article 11a delegation of powers to the commission the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 142a establishing rules concerning the basis of calculation for reductions to be applied to the farmers by the member states in 2013 as a result of the adjustment of payments and financial discipline as provided for in articles 10a and 11 . '


### articles 134 , 135 and 136 are deleted . ### articles 134 and 135 are deleted .


### the scope of these non - financial disclosure requirements should be defined by reference to the average number of employees , total assets and turnover . smes should be exempted from additional requirements , and the obligation to disclose a non - financial statement in the annual report should only apply to those companies whose average number of employees exceeds 500 , and exceed either a balance sheet total of eur 20 million or a net turnover of eur 40 million . ### the scope of these non - financial disclosure requirements should be defined by reference to the average number and gender of employees , total assets and turnover . smes should be exempted from additional requirements , and the obligation to disclose a non - financial statement in the annual report should only apply to those companies whose average number of employees exceeds 250 , and exceed either a balance sheet total of eur 20 million or a net turnover of eur 40 million .


### diversity of competences and views of the members of administrative , management and supervisory bodies of companies facilitates a good understanding of the business organisation and affairs . it enables members of these bodies to exercise a constructive challenge of the management decisions and to be more open to innovative ideas , addressing the similarity of views of members , the ' group - think ' phenomenon . it contributes thus to effective oversight of the management and a successful governance of the company . it would therefore be important to enhance transparency regarding the diversity policy companies have in place . this would inform the market of corporate governance practices and thus put indirect pressure on companies to have more diversified boards . ### diversity of competences and views of the members of administrative , management and supervisory bodies of companies , including gender diversity , facilitates a good understanding of the business organisation and affairs . it has been acknowledged that gender diversity , especially in top positions , contributes to corporate governance , quality of decision - making and to the company ' s performance . moreover , board diversity represents a benefit for the companies as board composition reflects demographic characteristics of key stakeholder groups such as employee , customer and investor . furthermore , it enables members of these bodies to exercise a constructive challenge of the management decisions and to be more open to innovative ideas , addressing the similarity of views of members , the ' group - think ' phenomenon . it contributes thus to effective oversight of the management and a successful governance of the company . it would therefore be important to enhance transparency regarding the diversity policy , especially gender diversity , companies have in place . this would inform the market of corporate governance practices and thus put indirect pressure on companies to have more diversified boards .


### the obligation to disclose their diversity policies for their administrative , management and supervisory bodies with regard to aspects such as age , gender , geographical diversity , educational and professional background should only apply to large listed companies . therefore small and medium - sized companies that may be exempted from certain accounting obligations under article 27 of directive 78 / 660 / eec should not be covered to by this obligation . disclosure of the diversity policy should be part of the corporate governance statement , as laid down by article 46a of directive 78 / 660 / eec . companies not having a such a diversity policy should not be obliged to put one in place , but they should clearly explain why this is the case . ### the obligation to disclose their diversity policies for their administrative , management and supervisory bodies with regard to gender and other aspects such as age , geographical diversity , disability , educational and professional background should only apply to large listed companies . therefore small and medium - sized companies that may be exempted from certain accounting obligations under article 27 of directive 78 / 660 / eec should not be covered to by this obligation . disclosure of the diversity policy should be part of the corporate governance statement , as laid down by article 46a of directive 78 / 660 / eec . companies not having a such a diversity policy should not be obliged to put one in place , but they should clearly explain why this is the case .


### the obligation to disclose their diversity policies for their administrative , management and supervisory bodies with regard to aspects such as age , gender , geographical diversity , educational and professional background should only apply to large listed companies . therefore small and medium - sized companies that may be exempted from certain accounting obligations under article 27 of directive 78 / 660 / eec should not be covered to by this obligation . disclosure of the diversity policy should be part of the corporate governance statement , as laid down by article 46a of directive 78 / 660 / eec . companies not having a such a diversity policy should not be obliged to put one in place , but they should clearly explain why this is the case . ### the obligation to disclose their diversity policies for their administrative , management and supervisory bodies with regard to aspects such as age , gender and other , disability , geographical diversity , educational and professional background should only apply to large listed companies and listed public undertakings . therefore small and medium - sized companies that may be exempted from certain accounting obligations under article 27 of directive 78 / 660 / eec should not be covered to by this obligation . disclosure of the diversity policy should be part of the corporate governance statement , as laid down by article 46a of directive 78 / 660 / eec . companies not having a such a diversity policy should not be obliged to put one in place , but they should clearly explain why this is the case .


### the obligation to disclose their diversity policies for their administrative , management and supervisory bodies with regard to aspects such as age , gender , geographical diversity , educational and professional background should only apply to large listed companies . therefore small and medium - sized companies that may be exempted from certain accounting obligations under article 27 of directive 78 / 660 / eec should not be covered to by this obligation . disclosure of the diversity policy should be part of the corporate governance statement , as laid down by article 46a of directive 78 / 660 / eec . companies not having a such a diversity policy should not be obliged to put one in place , but they should clearly explain why this is the case . ### the obligation to disclose their diversity policies for their administrative , management and supervisory bodies with regard to gender and other aspects such as age , geographical diversity , educational and professional background should only apply to large listed companies . therefore small and medium - sized companies that may be exempted from certain accounting obligations under article 27 of directive 78 / 660 / eec should not be covered to by this obligation . disclosure of the diversity policy should be part of the corporate governance statement , as laid down by article 46a of directive 78 / 660 / eec . companies not having such a diversity policy shall be subject to administrative and financial sanctions .


### the annual report shall include a fair review of the development and performance of the company ' s business and of its position , together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces . ### the annual report shall include a fair review of the development and performance of the company ' s business and of its position , together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces , and a description of its gender , social , environmental and human rights impacts .


### in providing such information the company may rely on national , eu - based or international frameworks and , if so , shall specify which frameworks it has relied upon . ### in providing this information the company should rely on either eu - framework or the united nations guiding principles on business and human rights and the organisation for economic co - operation and development guidelines for multinational enterprises , and if so , the company shall specify which frameworks it relies on .


### in providing such information the consolidated annual report may rely on national , eu - based or international frameworks and if so , shall specify which frameworks it has relied upon . ### in providing this information the company shall rely on either eu - based framework or the united nations guiding principles on business and human rights and the organisation for economic co - operation and development guidelines for multinational enterprises , and if so , the company shall specify which frameworks it relies on .


### to the extent necessary for an understanding of the company ' s development , performance or position , the analysis shall include both financial and non - financial key performance indicators relevant to the particular business . ### to the extent necessary for an understanding of the company ' s development , performance or position , and its social , environmental and human rights impact , including a gender equality perspective , the analysis shall include both financial and non - financial key performance indicators relevant to the particular business .


### to the extent necessary for an understanding of the company ' s development , performance or position , the analysis shall include both financial and non - financial key performance indicators relevant to the particular business . ### to the extent necessary for an understanding of the company ' s development , performance or position , as well as environmental , social and human rights - matters , including from a gender equality perspective the analysis shall include both financial and non - financial key performance indicators relevant to the particular business .


### to the extent necessary for an understanding of such development , performance or position , the analysis shall include both financial and non - financial key performance indicators relevant to the particular business . ### to the extent necessary for an understanding of such development performance or position , and its social , environmental and human rights , including from a gender equality perspective the analysis shall include both financial and non - financial key performance indicators relevant to the particular business .