### therefore , institutional investors and asset managers should develop a policy on shareholder engagement , which determines , amongst others , how they integrate shareholder engagement in their investment strategy , monitor investee companies , conduct dialogues with investee companies and exercise voting rights . such engagement policy should include policies to manage actual or potential conflicts of interests , such as the provision of financial services by the institutional investor or asset manager , or companies affiliated to them , to the investee company . this policy , its implementation and the results thereof should be publicly disclosed on an annual basis . where institutional investors or asset managers decide not to develop an engagement policy and / or decide not to disclose the implementation and results thereof , they shall give a clear and reasoned explanation as to why this is the case . ### therefore , institutional investors and asset managers should develop a policy on shareholder engagement , which determines , amongst others , how they integrate shareholder engagement in their investment strategy , monitor investee companies , conduct dialogues with investee companies and exercise voting rights . such engagement policy should include policies to manage actual or potential conflicts of interests , such as the provision of financial services by the institutional investor or asset manager , or companies affiliated to them , to the investee company . this policy , its implementation and the results thereof should be publicly disclosed on an annual basis .


### asset managers should be required to disclose to institutional investors how their investment strategy and the implementation thereof is in accordance with the asset management arrangement and how the investment strategy and decisions contributes to medium to long - term performance of the assets of the institutional investor . moreover , they should disclose whether they make investment decisions on the basis of judgements about medium - to long - term performance of the investee company , how their portfolio was composed and the portfolio turnover , actual or potential conflicts of interest and whether the asset manager uses proxy advisors for the purpose of their engagement activities . this information would allow the institutional investor to better monitor the asset manager , provide incentives for a proper alignment of interests and for shareholder engagement . ### asset managers should be required to disclose how their investment strategy and the implementation thereof is in accordance with the asset management arrangement . asset managers should disclose to the public whether they make investment decisions on the basis of judgements about medium - to long - term performance of the investee company , the portfolio turnover , actual or potential conflicts of interest , whether the asset manager uses proxy advisors for the purpose of their engagement activities and , overall , how the investment strategy contributes to medium to long - term performance of the assets of the institutional investor . asset managers should disclose to the institutional investor how their portfolio was composed and the portfolio turnover cost . this information would allow the public and institutional investor to better monitor the asset manager , which would create incentives for a proper alignment of interests and for shareholder engagement .


### in order to improve the information in the equity investment chain member states should ensure that proxy advisors adopt and implement adequate measures to guarantee that their voting recommendations are accurate and reliable , based on a thorough analysis of all the information that is available to them and are not affected by any existing or potential conflict of interest or business relationship . they should disclose certain key information related to the preparation of their voting recommendations and any actual or potential conflict of interest or business relationships that may influence the preparation of the voting recommendations . ### in order to improve the information in the equity investment chain member states should ensure that proxy advisors adopt and implement adequate measures to guarantee that their voting recommendations are accurate and reliable , based on a thorough analysis of all the information that is available to them and are not affected by any existing or potential conflict of interest or business relationship . they should disclose certain key information related to the preparation of their voting recommendations and any actual or potential conflict of interest or business relationships that could , if not properly dealt with , influence the preparation of the voting recommendations .


### in order to ensure that shareholders have an effective say on the remuneration policy , they should be granted the right to approve the remuneration policy , on the basis of a clear , understandable and comprehensive overview of the company ' s remuneration policy , which should be aligned with the business strategy , objectives , values and long - term interests of the company and should incorporate measures to avoid conflicts of interest . companies should only pay remuneration to their directors in accordance with a remuneration policy that has been approved by shareholders . the approved remuneration policy should be publicly disclosed without delay . ### in order to ensure that shareholders have an effective say on the remuneration policy , they should be granted the right to approve the remuneration policy . the policy should be clear , understandable and comprehensive . it should be aligned with the business strategy , objectives , values and long - term interests of the company and should incorporate measures to avoid conflicts of interest . companies should only pay remuneration to their directors in accordance with a remuneration policy that has been approved by shareholders . the approved remuneration policy should be publicly disclosed without delay .


### transactions with related parties may cause prejudice to companies and their shareholders , as they may give the related party the opportunity to appropriate value belonging to the company . thus , adequate safeguards for the protection of shareholders’ interests are of importance . for this reason member states should ensure that related party transactions representing more than 5 % of the companies’ assets or transactions which can have a significant impact on profits or turnover should be submitted to a vote by the shareholders in a general meeting . where the related party transaction involves a shareholder , this shareholder should be excluded from that vote . the company should not be allowed to conclude the transaction before the shareholders’ approval of the transaction . for transactions with related parties that represent more than 1% of their assets companies should publicly announce such transactions at the time of the conclusion of the transaction , and accompany the announcement by a report from an independent third party assessing whether the transaction is on market terms and confirming that the transaction is fair and reasonable from the perspective of the shareholders , including minority shareholders . member states should be allowed to exclude transactions entered into between the company and its wholly owned subsidiaries . member states should also be able to allow companies to request the advance approval by shareholders for certain clearly defined types of recurrent transactions above 5 percent of the assets , and to request from shareholders an advance exemption from the obligation to produce an independent third party report for recurrent transactions above 1 percent of the assets , under certain conditions , in order to facilitate the conclusion of such transactions by companies . ### transactions with related parties may cause prejudice to companies and their shareholders , as they may give the related party the opportunity to appropriate value belonging to the company . thus , adequate safeguards for the protection of shareholders’ interests are of importance . for this reason member states should ensure that related party transactions representing more than 5 % of the companies’ assets should be submitted to a vote by the shareholders in a general meeting . where the related party transaction involves a shareholder , this shareholder should be excluded from that vote . the company should not be allowed to conclude the transaction before the shareholders’ approval of the transaction . for transactions with related parties that represent more than 1% of their assets companies should publicly announce such transactions at the time of the conclusion of the transaction , and accompany the announcement by a report from an independent third party assessing whether the transaction is on market terms and confirming that the transaction is fair and reasonable from the perspective of the shareholders , including minority shareholders . member states should be allowed to exclude transactions entered into between the company and its wholly owned subsidiaries . member states should allow companies to request the advance approval by shareholders for certain clearly defined types of recurrent transactions above 5 % of the assets , and to request from shareholders an advance exemption from the obligation to produce an independent third party report for recurrent transactions above 1 percent of the assets , under certain conditions , in order to facilitate the conclusion of such transactions by companies . member states should be free to decide that the provisions regarding transactions above 5% of the assets should only apply to transactions which are not concluded on market terms .


### in view of directive 95 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 24 october 19956 it is necessary to strike a balance between the facilitation of the exercise of shareholders ' rights and the right to privacy and the protection of personal data . the identification information on shareholders should be limited to the name and contact details of the corresponding shareholders . this information should be accurate and kept up - to - date , and intermediaries as well as companies should allow for rectification or erasure of all incorrect or incomplete data . this identification information on shareholders should not be used for any other purpose than the facilitation of the exercise of shareholder rights . _____________ 6 directive 95 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 24 october 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data . ### in view of articles 7 and 8 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and of directive 95 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 24 october 19956 it is necessary to strike a balance between the facilitation of the exercise of shareholders ' rights and the right to privacy and the protection of personal data . the identification information on shareholders should be limited to the name and contact details of the corresponding shareholders . this information should be accurate and kept up - to - date , and intermediaries as well as companies should allow for rectification or erasure of all incorrect or incomplete data . this identification information on shareholders should not be used for any other purpose than the facilitation of the exercise of shareholder rights . in the information on the remuneration of individual directors , sensitive personal data on health and other categories referred to in article 8 of directive 95 / 46 / ec should be excluded . the information should only be used to facilitate the exercise of shareholder rights and to allow for transparency and accountability regarding their performance as directors . companies shall take appropriate measures to limit public access to personal data , for example by removing direct links to such data on the website , when that data , a number of years after its initial disclosure , is no longer of key relevance for the exercise of shareholder rights . ____________ 6 directive 95 / 46 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 24 october 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data .


### chapter ib shall apply to institutional investors and to asset managers to the extent that they invest , directly or through a collective investment undertaking , on behalf of institutional investors , in so far they invest in shares . ### chapter ib shall apply to institutional investors . it shall also apply to asset managers to the extent that they invest , directly or through a collective investment undertaking , on behalf of institutional investors , in so far they invest in shares .


### ‘ institutional investor’ means an undertaking carrying out activities of life assurance within the meaning of article 2 and not excluded pursuant to article 3 of directive 2002 / 83 / ec of the european parliament and of the council9 and an institution for occupational retirement provision falling within the scope of directive 2003 / 41 / ec of the european parliament and of the council10 in accordance with article 2 thereof , unless a member states has chosen not to apply that directive in whole or in parts to that institution in accordance with article 5 of that directive ; _____________ 9 directive 2002 / 83 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 5 november 2002 concerning life assurance . 10 directive 2003 / 41 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 3 june 2003 on the activities and supervision of institutions for occupational retirement provision . ### ‘ institutional investor’ means an undertaking carrying out activities of life assurance within the meaning of article 2 of directive 2009 / 138 / ec of the european parliament and of the council9 and not excluded pursuant to articles 3 , 4 , 9 or 10 of directive 2009 / 138 / ec and an institution for occupational retirement provision falling within the scope of directive 2003 / 41 / ec of the european parliament and of the council10 in accordance with article 2 thereof , unless a member states has chosen not to apply that directive in whole or in parts to that institution in accordance with article 5 of that directive ; ____________ 9 directive 2009 / 138 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 25 november 2009 on the taking - up and pursuit of the business of insurance and reinsurance 10 directive 2003 / 41 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 3 june 2003 on the activities and supervision of institutions for occupational retirement provision .


### ‘ asset manager’ means an investment firm as defined in point of article 4 of directive 2004 / 39 / ec of the european parliament and of the council11 providing portfolio management services to institutional investors , an aifm as defined in article 4 of directive 2011 / 61 / eu of the european parliament and of the council12 that does not fulfil the conditions for an exemption in accordance with article 3 of that directive or a management company as defined in article 2 of directive 2009 / 65 / ec of the european parliament and of the council13 ; or an investment company authorised in accordance with directive 2009 / 65 / ec , provided that it has not designated a management company authorised under that directive for its management ; _____________ 11 directive 2004 / 39 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 21 april 2004 on markets in financial instruments amending council directives 85 / 611 / eec and 93 / 6 / eec and directive 2000 / 12 / ec of the european parliament and of the council and repealing council directive 93 / 22 / eec . 12 directive 2011 / 61 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 8 june 2011 on alternative investment fund managers and amending directives 2003 / 41 / ec and 2009 / 65 / ec and regulations no 1060 / 2009 and no 1095 / 2010 . 13 directive 2009 / 65 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 13 july 2009 on the coordination of laws , regulations and administrative provisions relating to undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities . ### ‘ asset manager’ means an investment firm as defined in point of article 4 of directive 2014 / 65 / eu of the european parliament and of the council11 providing portfolio management services to institutional investors , an aifm as defined in article 4 of directive 2011 / 61 / eu of the european parliament and of the council12 that does not fulfil the conditions for an exemption in accordance with article 3 of that directive or a management company as defined in article 2 of directive 2009 / 65 / ec of the european parliament and of the council13 ; or an investment company authorised in accordance with directive 2009 / 65 / ec , provided that it has not designated a management company authorised under that directive for its management ; ____________ 11 directive 2014 / 65 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 15 may 2014 on markets in financial instruments and amending directive 2002 / 92 / ec and directive 2011 / 61 / eu . 12 directive 2011 / 61 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 8 june 2011 on alternative investment fund managers and amending directives 2003 / 41 / ec and 2009 / 65 / ec and regulations no 1060 / 2009 and no 1095 / 2010 . 13 directive 2009 / 65 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 13 july 2009 on the coordination of laws , regulations and administrative provisions relating to undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities .


### ‘ shareholder engagement’ means the monitoring by a shareholder alone or together with other shareholders , of companies on matters such as strategy , performance , risk , capital structure and corporate governance , having a dialogue with companies on these matters and voting at the general meeting . ### ‘ shareholder engagement’ means the monitoring by a shareholder , alone or together with other shareholders , of companies on matters such as strategy , performance , agenda - setting , risk , capital structure , human resources and corporate governance , having a dialogue with companies , and where relevant with other stakeholders involved , on these matters and voting at general meetings .


### ‘ director’ means any member of the administrative , management or supervisory bodies of a company ; ### ‘ director’ means any member of the administrative , management or supervisory bodies of a company , or , if and to the extent that such bodies do not exist , an individual in a similar position ;


### shareholders shall be duly informed by their intermediary that their name and contact details may be transmitted for the purpose of identification in accordance with this article . this information may only be used for the purpose of facilitation of the exercise of the rights of the shareholder . the company and the intermediary shall ensure that natural persons are able to rectify or erase any incomplete or inaccurate data and shall not conserve the information relating to the shareholder for longer than 24 months after receiving it . ### shareholders shall be duly informed by their intermediary that their name and contact details may be transmitted for the purpose of identification in accordance with this article . this information may only be used for the purpose of facilitation of the exercise of the rights of the shareholder . shareholders receiving a list shall not disclose it . they shall only use it for contacting other shareholders on company - related matters . the company and the intermediary shall ensure that natural and legal persons are able to rectify or erase any incomplete or inaccurate data and shall not conserve the information relating to the shareholder for longer than 24 months after receiving it .


### member states shall ensure that an intermediary that reports the name and contact details of a shareholder is not considered in breach of any restriction on disclosure of information imposed by contract or by any legislative , regulatory or administrative provision . ### member states shall ensure that neither an intermediary that reports the name and contact details of a shareholder , nor a company that makes available a list of identified shareholders to a shareholder , is considered in breach of any restriction on disclosure of information imposed by contract or by any legislative , regulatory or administrative provision


### member states shall allow intermediaries to charge prices or fees for the service to be provided under this chapter . intermediaries shall publicly disclose prices , fees and any other charges separately for each service referred to in this chapter . ### member states shall allow intermediaries to charge prices or fees for the service to be provided under this chapter . intermediaries shall publicly disclose , separately for each service , the prices , fees and any other charges for all services referred to in this chapter .


### member states shall ensure that any charges that may be levied by an intermediary on shareholders , companies and other intermediaries shall be non - discriminatory and proportional . any differences in the charges levied between domestic and cross - border exercise of rights shall be duly justified . ### member states shall ensure that any charges that may be levied by an intermediary on shareholders , companies and other intermediaries shall be non - discriminatory and proportional . any variation in the charges levied between different service users shall reflect a variation in actual costs incurred for delivering the services . charges shall not be differentiated on the basis of nationality .


### member states shall ensure that institutional investors and asset managers publicly disclose on an annual basis their engagement policy , how it has been implemented and the results thereof . the information referred to in the first sentence shall at least be available on the company ' s website . institutional investors and asset managers shall , for each company in which they hold shares , disclose if and how they cast their votes in the general meetings of the companies concerned and provide an explanation for their voting behaviour . where an asset manager casts votes on behalf of an institutional investor , the institutional investor shall make a reference as to where such voting information has been published by the asset manager . ### member states shall ensure that institutional investors and asset managers publicly disclose on an annual basis their engagement policy , how it has been implemented and the results thereof . the information referred to in the first sentence shall at least be available , free of charge , on the company ' s website . institutional investors and asset managers shall , for each company in which they hold shares , disclose if and how they cast their votes in the general meetings of the companies concerned and provide an explanation for their voting behaviour . where an asset manager casts votes on behalf of an institutional investor , the institutional investor shall make a reference as to where such voting information has been published by the asset manager . if , in exceptional cases , the information on voting is very extensive , the disclosure obligation in that regard may be complied with by disclosing an accurate summary of that information .


### member states shall ensure that institutional investors disclose to the public how their equity investment strategy is aligned with the profile and duration of their liabilities and how it contributes to the medium to long - term performance of their assets . the information referred to in the first sentence shall at least be available on the company ' s website as long as it is applicable . ### member states shall ensure that institutional investors disclose to the public how their equity investment strategy is aligned with the profile and duration of their liabilities and how it contributes to the medium to long - term performance of their assets . the information referred to in the first sentence shall at least be available , free of charge , on the company ' s website as long as it is applicable .


### member states shall ensure that asset managers disclose on a half - yearly basis to the institutional investor with which they have entered into the arrangement referred to in article 3g how their investment strategy and implementation thereof complies with that arrangement and how the investment strategy and implementation thereof contributes to medium to long - term performance of the assets of the institutional investor . ### member states shall ensure that asset managers disclose , as specified in paragraphs 2 and 2a , how their investment strategy and implementation thereof complies with the arrangement referred to in article 3g .


### member states shall ensure that asset managers disclose to the institutional investor on a half - yearly basis all of the following information : ### member states shall ensure that asset managers disclose to the public on a half - yearly basis all of the following information :


### the information disclosed pursuant to paragraph 2 shall be provided free of charge and , in case the asset manager does not manage the assets on a discretionary client - by - client basis , it shall also be provided to other investors on request . ### the information disclosed pursuant to paragraph 2 shall at least be available , free of charge , on the asset manager ' s website . the information disclosed pursuant to paragraph 2a shall be provided free of charge and , in case the asset manager does not manage the assets on a discretionary client - by - client basis , it shall also be provided to other investors on request .


### member states shall ensure that proxy advisors adopt and implement adequate measures to guarantee that their voting recommendations are accurate and reliable , based on a thorough analysis of all the information that is available to them . ### member states shall ensure that proxy advisors adopt and implement adequate measures to guarantee that their voting recommendations are accurate and reliable , are based on a thorough analysis of all the information that is available to them and are developed only in the interest of their clients .


### that information shall be published on their website and remain available for at least three years from the day of publication . ### that information shall be published on their website and remain available , free of charge , for at least three years from the day of publication .


### companies may , in case of recruitment of new board members , decide to pay remuneration to an individual director outside the approved policy , where the remuneration package of the individual director has received prior approval by shareholders on the basis of information on the matters referred to in paragraph 3 . the remuneration may be awarded provisionally pending approval by the shareholders . ### companies may in exceptional cases , when recruiting new directors , decide to pay remuneration to an individual director above the maximum amounts of total remuneration set out in the approved policy . the remuneration may be awarded provisionally pending approval by the shareholders . however , this option of exceeding the maximum amounts may only be used once in the application of an approved policy .


### the relative change of the remuneration of directors over the last three financial years , its relation to the development of the value of the company and to change in the average remuneration of full time employees of the company other than directors ; ### the relative change of the remuneration of directors over the last three financial years , its relation to the development of the value and general performance of the company and to change in the average full - time remuneration of employees of the company other than directors , where the remuneration of part - time employees is included on full - time equivalent terms ;


### information on how the remuneration of directors was established , including on the role of the remuneration committee . ### information on how the remuneration of directors was established , including , where applicable , on the role of the remuneration committee .


### member states shall ensure that the right to privacy of natural persons is protected in accordance with directive 95 / 46 / ec when personal data of the director are processed . ### member states shall ensure that information on the remuneration of individual directors is only disclosed in order to facilitate the exercise of shareholder rights and to allow for transparency and accountability regarding their performance as directors . sensitive data on health and other categories referred to in article 8 of directive 95 / 46 / ec shall not be disclosed . companies shall take appropriate measures to limit public access to personal data when such data , a number of years after its initial disclosure , is no longer of key relevance for the exercise of shareholder rights .


### member states shall ensure that shareholders have the right to vote on the remuneration report of the past financial year during the annual general meeting . where the shareholders vote against the remuneration report the company shall explain in the next remuneration report whether or not and , if so , how , the vote of the shareholders has been taken into account . ### member states shall ensure that shareholders have the right to vote on the remuneration report of the past financial year during the annual general meeting . where the shareholders vote against the remuneration report the company shall , if needed , enter into a dialogue with shareholders in order to identify the reasons for the rejection . the company shall explain in the next remuneration report how the vote of the shareholders has been taken into account .


### member states shall ensure that companies , in case of transactions with related parties that represent more than 1% of their assets , publicly announce such transactions at the time of the conclusion of the transaction , and accompany the announcement by a report from an independent third party assessing whether or not it is on market terms and confirming that the transaction is fair and reasonable from the perspective of the shareholders , including minority shareholders . the announcement shall contain information on the nature of the related party relationship , the name of the related party , the amount of the transaction and any other information necessary to assess the transaction ### member states shall ensure that companies , in case of transactions with related parties that represent more than 1% of their assets , publicly announce such transactions no later than at the time of the conclusion of the transaction , and accompany the announcement by a report from an independent third party assessing whether or not it is on market terms and confirming that the transaction is fair and reasonable from the perspective of the shareholders , including minority shareholders . the announcement shall contain information on the nature of the related party relationship , the name of the related party , the amount of the transaction and any other information necessary to assess the transaction .


### member states may provide that companies can request the advance approval by shareholders of the transactions referred to in subparagraph 1 in case of clearly defined types of recurrent transactions with an identified related party in a period of not longer than 12 months after the advance approval of the transactions . where the related party transactions involve a shareholder , this shareholder shall be excluded from the vote on the advance approval . ### member states shall provide that companies can request the advance approval by shareholders of the transactions referred to in subparagraph 1 in case of clearly defined types of recurrent transactions with an identified related party in a period of not longer than 12 months after the advance approval of the transactions . where the related party transactions involve a shareholder , this shareholder shall be excluded from the vote on the advance approval .


### chapter iia implementing acts and penalties ### chapter iia delegated acts , implementing acts and penalties


### ‘ technical assistance’ means any technical support related to repairs , development , manufacture , testing , maintenance , assembly or any other technical service , and may take forms such as instruction , advice , training , transmission of working knowledge or skills or consulting services . technical assistance includes verbal forms of assistance and assistance provided by electronic means ; ### point is replaced by the following : ' technical assistance ' means any technical support related to repairs , development , manufacture , testing , maintenance , assembly , usage , practices or any other technical service , and may take forms such as instruction , advice , training , transmission of working knowledge or skills or consulting services . technical assistance includes verbal forms of assistance and assistance provided by electronic means ;


### “broker ' means any natural or legal person or partnership resident or established in a member state of the union that carries out services defined under point from the union into the territory of a third country ; ### ' broker ' means any natural person , resident or national of a member state , or legal person or partnership and their subsidiaries , established in a member state , that carries out services defined under point ;


### the commission may , within three months , ask the requesting member state to provide supplementary information , if it considers that the request fails to address one or more relevant points or that additional information on one or more relevant points is necessary . it shall communicate the points on which supplementary information needs to be provided . ### upon receipt of a request referred to in paragraph 1 , the commission shall immediately inform all member states and circulate the information received from the requesting member state . pending a final decision by the commission , member states may immediately suspend transfers of the goods contained in the request . the commission may , within three months , ask the requesting member state to provide supplementary information , if it considers that the request fails to address one or more relevant points or that additional information on one or more relevant points is necessary . it shall communicate the points on which supplementary information needs to be provided .


### moderation of energy demand is one of the five dimensions of the energy union strategy adopted on 25 february 2015 . improving energy efficiency will benefit the environment , reduce greenhouse gas emissions , improve energy security by reducing dependence on energy imports from outside the union , cut energy costs for households and companies , help alleviate energy poverty and lead to increased jobs and economy - wide economic activity . this is in line with the union commitments made in the framework of the energy union and global climate agenda established by the paris agreement of december 2015 by the parties of the united nation framework convention on climate change . ### moderation of energy demand is one of the five dimensions of the energy union strategy adopted on 25 february 2015 . improving energy efficiency will benefit the environment , reduce greenhouse gas emissions , improve energy security by reducing dependence on energy imports from outside the union , cut energy costs for households and companies , benefit public health , help alleviate energy poverty and lead to increased jobs and economy - wide economic activity . this is in line with the union commitments made in the framework of the energy union and global climate agenda established by the paris agreement of december 2015 by the parties of the united nation framework convention on climate change .


### there are no binding targets at national level in the 2030 perspective . the need for the union to achieve its energy efficiency targets at eu level , expressed in primary and final energy consumption , in 2020 and 2030 should be clearly set out in the form of a binding 30 % target . this clarification at union level should not restrict member states as their freedom is kept to set their national contributions based on either primary or final energy consumption , primary or final energy savings , or energy intensity . member states should set their national indicative energy efficiency contributions taking into account that the union’s 2030 energy consumption has to be no more than 1 321 mtoe of primary energy and no more than 987 mtoe of final energy . this means that primary energy consumption should be reduced by 23 % and final energy consumption should be reduced by 17 % in the union compared to 2005 levels . a regular evaluation of progress towards the achievement of the union 2030 target is necessary and is provided for in the legislative proposal on energy union governance . ### there are no binding targets at national level in the 2030 perspective . the need for the member states to achieve the ambitious and binding targets set out in european parliament resolution of 23 june 2016 on the implementation report on the energy efficiency directive , expressed in the form of a significant reduction in the use of non - renewable primary energy by 2020 and 2030 , as well as after 2030 , should be clearly defined at eu level for the commercial power industry , energy transmission and distribution , heating and cooling in the housing sector , and in public and goods transport , in the form of a binding target . this clarification of the ambitious eu target should not , however , impose constraints on member states , which are guided by their development plans when it comes to the priority given to the rate of efficiency improvements in the aforementioned economic sectors . member states should retain the freedom to determine their national contributions based on an effective definition of the energy intensity of their energy mix on the basis of the consumption of accumulated non - renewable primary energy . member states should therefore set themselves ambitious national indicative contributions for the reduction of consumption of non - renewable primary energy , having regard to the eu binding target for 2030 . a regular evaluation of member states’ progress towards the achievement of their obligations in terms of the eu target shall be carried out every two - and - a - half years , and is provided for in the legislative proposal on energy union governance .


### in view of the climate and energy framework for 2030 the energy savings obligation should be extended beyond 2020 . extending the commitment period beyond 2020 would create greater stability for investors and thus encourage long term investments and long term energy efficiency measures , such as the renovation of buildings . ### in view of the decarbonisation objectives under the paris agreement and the climate and energy framework for 2030 , as well as the union ' s climate and energy goals for 2050 , the energy savings obligation should be extended with beyond 2020 . extending the commitment period with a long - term vision and associated policy measures beyond 2020 would create greater stability for investors and thus encourage long term investments and long term energy efficiency measures , such as the renovation of buildings and moving towards ' nearly zero energy buildings ' . cooperation with the private sector is important to assess on what basis private investment for energy efficiency projects can be unlocked .


### member states are required to achieve a cumulative end - use savings requirement for the entire obligation period , equivalent to ' new ' savings of 1 . 5 % of annual energy sales . this requirement could be met by new policy measures that are adopted during the new obligation period from 1 january 2021 to 31 december 2030 or by new individual actions as a result of policy measures adopted during or before the previous period , but in respect of which the individual actions that trigger energy savings are actually introduced during the new period . ### member states are required to achieve a cumulative savings requirement for cumulative primary energy for the entire obligation period , equivalent to ' new ' obligations relating to energy savings that are the result of actual improvements in the efficiency of energy conversion , transmission and use . this requirement could be met by using new investment policy measures leading to better energy efficiency adopted for 1 january 2021 to 31 december 2030 .


### new savings should be additional to business as usual , so that savings that would have occurred in any event may not be claimed . in order to calculate the impact of measures introduced only net savings , measured as the change of energy consumption that is directly attributable to the energy efficiency measure in question , may be counted . to calculate net savings member states should establish a baseline scenario of how the situation would evolve in the absence of the policy in question . the policy intervention should be evaluated against this defined baseline . member states should take into account that other policy interventions may be undertaken in the same time frame which may also have an impact on energy savings , so that not all changes observed since the introduction of the policy intervention being evaluated can be attributed to that policy measure only . the actions of the obligated , participating or entrusted party should actually contribute to the achievement of the savings claimed to ensure the fulfilment of the materiality requirement . ### in order to calculate the real impact of the newly introduced measures , including investment measures , only savings that are a result of measures to deliver energy efficiency should be taken into account . member states should establish a baseline scenario of how the situation would evolve given additional savings measures . the actions of the obligated , participating or entrusted party should actually contribute to the achievement of the savings claimed .


### improvements to the energy efficiency of buildings should benefit in particular consumers affected by energy poverty . member states can already require obligated parties to include social aims in energy saving measures , in relation to energy poverty , and this possibility should now be extended to alternative measures and transformed into an obligation while leaving full flexibility to member states with regard to the size , scope and content of such measures . in line with article 9 of the treaty , the union ' s energy efficiency policies should be inclusive and therefore also ensure accessibility of energy efficiency measures for energy poor consumers . ### improvements to the energy efficiency of buildings should benefit in particular vulnerable consumers at risk of energy poverty , whilst considering the affordability of such measures for the tenant . member states can already require obligated parties to include social aims in energy saving measures , in relation to energy poverty , and this possibility should now be extended to alternative measures , strengthened to require a significant share to be implemented as a priority , and transformed into an obligation while leaving full flexibility to member states with regard to the size , scope and content of such measures . in line with article 9 of the treaty , the union ' s energy efficiency policies should be inclusive and therefore also ensure accessibility of energy efficiency measures for energy poor consumers by guaranteeing financial support at member state level .


### improvements to the energy efficiency of buildings should benefit in particular consumers affected by energy poverty . member states can already require obligated parties to include social aims in energy saving measures , in relation to energy poverty , and this possibility should now be extended to alternative measures and transformed into an obligation while leaving full flexibility to member states with regard to the size , scope and content of such measures . in line with article 9 of the treaty , the union ' s energy efficiency policies should be inclusive and therefore also ensure accessibility of energy efficiency measures for energy poor consumers . ### the amplification of the thermo - modernisation of buildings by three times every year and improvements to the energy efficiency of buildings should benefit in particular low - income consumers at risk of energy poverty . member states can already require obligated parties to include social aims in energy saving measures , in relation to energy poverty , and this possibility should now be extended to alternative measures , strengthened to require a significant share to be implemented as a priority , and transformed into an obligation while leaving full flexibility to member states with regard to the scope and content of such measures . in line with article 9 of the treaty , the union ' s energy efficiency policies should be inclusive and therefore also ensure accessibility of energy efficiency measures for energy poor consumers .


### as part of the measures set out in the commission ' s communication new deal for energy consumers , in the context of the energy union and the heating and cooling strategy , consumers ' minimum rights to clear and timely information about their energy consumption need to be strengthened . articles 9 to 11 and annex vii of directive 2012 / 27 / eu should be amended to provide for frequent and enhanced feedback on energy consumption . it should also clarified that rights relating to billing and billing information apply for consumers of heating , cooling or hot water supplied from a central source even where they have no direct , individual contractual relationship with an energy supplier . therefore , for the purposes of these provisions , the term ' final user ' , should cover final customers purchasing heating , cooling or hot water for their own use as well as occupants of individual units of multi - apartment or multi - purpose buildings where such units are supplied from a central source . the term ' sub - metering ' should refer to measuring consumption in individual units of such buildings . by 1 january 2020 newly installed heat meters and heat cost allocators should be remotely readable to ensure cost - effective , frequent provision of consumption information . the new article 9a is intended to apply only to heating , cooling and hot water supplied from a central source . ### as part of the measures set out in the commission ' s communication new deal for energy consumers , in the context of the energy union and the heating and cooling strategy , consumers ' minimum rights to clear and timely information about their energy consumption need to be strengthened . articles 9 to 11 and annex vii of directive 2012 / 27 / eu should , with the aim to optimise the energy use of consumers , be amended to provide for frequent and enhanced information about and feedback on energy consumption when this is technically feasible and cost - efficient in view of the measurement devices in place . it should also be clarified that rights relating to billing and billing or consumption information apply for consumers of heating , cooling or hot water supplied from a central source even where they have no direct , individual contractual relationship with an energy supplier . the definition of the term ' final customer ' may be understood to include only natural or legal persons purchasing energy based on a direct , individual contract with an energy supplier . the term ' final user ' , should refer to a broader group of consumers . the term ' final user ' should in addition to final customers purchasing heating , cooling or hot water for their own use cover also as occupants of individual units of multi - apartment or multi - purpose buildings where such units are supplied from a central source and where the occupants have no direct or individual contract with the energy supplier . by 1 january 2020 newly installed heat meters and heat cost allocators should be remotely readable to ensure cost - effective , frequent provision of consumption information the new article 9a is intended to apply only to heating , cooling and hot water supplied from a central source . the member states should have discretion to decide how best to design the detailed measures providing frequent and enhanced feedback on energy consumption for occupants living in individual units of multi - apartment or multi - purpose buildings supplied with heating , cooling or hot water from a central source . the term ' sub - metering ' should refer to measuring consumption in individual units of such buildings . the cost - efficiency of sub - metering depends on whether the related costs are proportionate in relation to the potential energy savings .


### this directive establishes a common framework of measures to promote energy efficiency within the union in order to ensure that the union ' s 2020 20 % headline targets and its 2030 30 % binding headline targets on energy efficiency are met and paves the way for further energy efficiency improvements beyond those dates . it lays down rules designed to remove barriers in the energy market and overcome market failures that impede efficiency in the supply and use of energy , and provides for the establishment of indicative national energy efficiency targets and contributions for 2020 and 2030 . ' ; ### this directive establishes a common framework of measures to promote energy efficiency within the union in order to ensure that the union ' s 2020 20 % headline targets and its ambitious 2030 binding headline targets on energy efficiency are met and paves the way for further energy efficiency improvements beyond those dates . it lays down rules designed to remove barriers in the energy market and overcome market failures that impede efficiency in the supply and use of energy . while recognising that the economies of member states are characterised by diverse economic potentials and energy mixes , and taking into account the complete energy flow chain , from primary energy to the consumer market , this directive provides for the establishment of ambitious indicative national energy efficiency targets and contributions for 2020 and 2030 . ' ; __________________ 1acompared with projections based on the primes model using 2007 as a base , this is equivalent to reducing energy use by 34% compared with the 2005 absolute levels .


### this directive establishes a common framework of measures to promote energy efficiency within the union in order to ensure that the union ' s 2020 20 % headline targets and its 2030 30 % binding headline targets on energy efficiency are met and paves the way for further energy efficiency improvements beyond those dates . it lays down rules designed to remove barriers in the energy market and overcome market failures that impede efficiency in the supply and use of energy , and provides for the establishment of indicative national energy efficiency targets and contributions for 2020 and 2030 . ; ### this directive establishes a common framework of measures to promote energy efficiency within the union in order to ensure that the union ' s 2020 20 % headline targets and its 2030 30 % binding headline targets on energy efficiency are met and paves the way for further energy efficiency improvements beyond those dates . it lays down rules designed to remove barriers to energy efficiency investment , in the energy market and overcome accounting constrains and market failures that impede efficiency in the supply and use of energy , and provides for the establishment of indicative national energy efficiency targets and contributions for 2020 and 2030 . ;


### this directive establishes a common framework of measures to promote energy efficiency within the union in order to ensure that the union ' s 2020 20 % headline targets and its 2030 30 % binding headline targets on energy efficiency are met and paves the way for further energy efficiency improvements beyond those dates . it lays down rules designed to remove barriers in the energy market and overcome market failures that impede efficiency in the supply and use of energy , and provides for the establishment of indicative national energy efficiency targets and contributions for 2020 and 2030 . ; ### this directive establishes a common framework of measures to promote energy efficiency within the union in order to ensure that the union ' s 2020 20 % headline targets in relation to the reference year and its 2030 35 % binding targets on energy efficiency are met and paves the way for further efficiency improvements beyond 2030 . it lays down rules designed to remove barriers in the energy market and enhance its functioning by increasing the primary energy consumption efficiency , improving the supply of final energy and by consuming it effectively afterwards ; to this end , it provides for the establishment of indicative national energy efficiency targets , the contributions to which will together constitute the overall eu target for 2020 and 2030 . member states should , before preparing primary energy savings plans , define energy efficiency of their energy mix , using pef values set out in annex iva .


### ' ' final energy consumption’ means all energy supplied to industry , transport , households , services and agriculture . it excludes deliveries to the energy transformation sector and the energy industries themselves ; ' ### amendment h ) point 3 is replaced by the following : ' ' final energy consumption ' means the consumption of electricity supplied to the consumer market , which is required by industry and transport , as well as energy supplied to households , services and agriculture ; this consumption depends on the total power available for dispatching , including active and reactive power , while supplying such energy ; '


### that the union ' s 2020 energy consumption has to be no more than 1 483 mtoe of primary energy and no more than 1 086 mtoe of final energy ; ### that the union ' s 2020 total energy supply has to be no more than 1 483 mtoe of primary energy , while the consumption of final energy in the member states has to be no more than 1 083 mtoe , and it should result , on the one hand , from the efficiency of energy conversion and efficiency of energy transmission , while on the other hand it should result from an increase in energy efficiency in industry and transport and from efficiency of buildings and household appliances , as well as from deliberate self - limitation on its consumption ;


### by 30 june 2014 , the commission shall assess progress achieved and whether the union is likely to achieve energy consumption of no more than 1 483 mtoe of primary energy and no more than 1 086 mtoe of final energy in 2020 . ### by 30 june 2014 , the commission shall assess progress achieved and whether the union is likely to achieve energy consumption of no more than 1 483 mtoe of primary energy or no more than 1 086 mtoe of final energy in 2020 .


### each member state shall set an indicative national energy efficiency target for 2020 , based on either primary or final energy consumption , primary or final energy savings , or energy intensity . member states shall notify those targets to the commission in accordance with article 24 and annex xiv part 1 . when doing so , they shall also express those targets in terms of an absolute level of primary energy consumption and final energy consumption in 2020 and shall explain how , and on the basis of which data , this has been calculated . ### each member state shall set an indicative national energy efficiency target for 2020 , based on cumulative primary energy consumption . member states shall notify those targets to the commission in accordance with article 24 and annex xiv part 1 . when doing so , they shall also express those targets in terms of an absolute level of primary energy consumption in 2020 in relation to final energy consumption in the same year and shall explain how , and on the basis of which data , this has been calculated ; an indicator defined as the ratio of primary energy to final energy used in the member states constitutes one of the indicators of energy efficiency of their economies .


### that the union ' s 2020 energy consumption has to be no more than 1 483 mtoe of primary energy and no more than 1 086 mtoe of final energy ; ### that the union ' s 2020 total energy supply has to be no more than 1 483 mtoe of the reference fuel , while the consumption of final energy in the member states has to be no more than 1 083 mtoe , should result , on the one hand , from the efficiency of energy conversion and efficiency of energy transmission , while on the other hand it should result from an increase in energy efficiency in industry and transport and from efficiency of buildings and household appliances , as well as from deliberate self - limitation on its consumption ;


### article 5 exemplary role of public bodies ' buildings without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , each member state shall ensure that , as from 1 january 2014 , 3 % of the total floor area of heated and / or cooled buildings owned and occupied by its central government is renovated each year to meet at least the minimum energy performance requirements that it has set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . the 3 % rate shall be calculated on the total floor area of buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 owned and occupied by the central government of the member state concerned that , on 1 january of each year , do not meet the national minimum energy performance requirements set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . that threshold shall be lowered to 250 m 2 as of 9 july 2015 . where a member state requires that the obligation to renovate each year 3 % of the total floor area extends to floor area owned and occupied by administrative departments at a level below central government , the 3 % rate shall be calculated on the total floor area of buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 and , as of 9 july 2015 , over 250 m 2 owned and occupied by central government and by these administrative departments of the member state concerned that , on 1 january of each year , do not meet the national minimum energy performance requirements set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . when implementing measures for the comprehensive renovation of central government buildings in accordance with the first subparagraph , member states may choose to consider the building as a whole , including the building envelope , equipment , operation and maintenance . member states shall require that central government buildings with the poorest energy performance be a priority for energy efficiency measures , where cost - effective and technically feasible . 2 . member states may decide not to set or apply the requirements referred to in paragraph 1 to the following categories of buildings : buildings officially protected as part of a designated environment , or because of their special architectural or historical merit , in so far as compliance with certain minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance ; buildings owned by the armed forces or central government and serving national defence purposes , apart from single living quarters or office buildings for the armed forces and other staff employed by national defence authorities ; buildings used as places of worship and for religious activities . 3 . if a member state renovates more than 3 % of the total floor area of central government buildings in a given year , it may count the excess towards the annual renovation rate of any of the three previous or following years . 4 . member states may count towards the annual renovation rate of central government buildings new buildings occupied and owned as replacements for specific central government buildings demolished in any of the two previous years , or buildings that have been sold , demolished or taken out of use in any of the two previous years due to more intensive use of other buildings . 5 . for the purposes of paragraph 1 , by 31 december 2013 , member states shall establish and make publicly available an inventory of heated and / or cooled central government buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 and , as of 9 july 2015 , over 250 m 2 , excluding buildings exempted on the basis of paragraph 2 . the inventory shall contain the following data : the floor area in m 2 ; and the energy performance of each building or relevant energy data . 6 . without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , member states may opt for an alternative approach to paragraphs 1 to 5 of this article , whereby they take other cost - effective measures , including deep renovations and measures for behavioural change of occupants , to achieve , by 2020 , an amount of energy savings in eligible buildings owned and occupied by their central government that is at least equivalent to that required in paragraph 1 , reported on an annual basis . for the purpose of the alternative approach , member states may estimate the energy savings that paragraphs 1 to 4 would generate by using appropriate standard values for the energy consumption of reference central government buildings before and after renovation and according to estimates of the surface of their stock . the categories of reference central government buildings shall be representative of the stock of such buildings . member states opting for the alternative approach shall notify to the commission , by 31 december 2013 , the alternative measures that they plan to adopt , showing how they would achieve an equivalent improvement in the energy performance of the buildings within the central government estate . 7 . member states shall encourage public bodies , including at regional and local level , and social housing bodies governed by public law , with due regard for their respective competences and administrative set - up , to : adopt an energy efficiency plan , freestanding or as part of a broader climate or environmental plan , containing specific energy saving and efficiency objectives and actions , with a view to following the exemplary role of central government buildings laid down in paragraphs 1 , 5 and 6 ; put in place an energy management system , including energy audits , as part of the implementation of their plan ; use , where appropriate , energy service companies , and energy performance contracting to finance renovations and implement plans to maintain or improve energy efficiency in the long term . ### article 5 shall be amended as follows : “article 5 exemplary role of public bodies ' buildings without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , each member state shall ensure that , as from 1 january 2014 , 3 % of the total floor area of heated and / or cooled buildings owned and occupied by public authorities is renovated each year to meet at least the minimum energy performance requirements that it has set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . the 3 % rate shall be calculated on the total floor area of buildings with a total useful floor area over 250 m 2 owned and occupied by public authorities of the member state concerned that , on 1 january of each year , do not meet the national minimum energy performance requirements set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . when implementing measures for the comprehensive renovation of public authority buildings in accordance with the first subparagraph , member states may choose to consider the building as a whole , including the building envelope , equipment , operation and maintenance . member states shall require that public authority buildings with the poorest energy performance be a priority for energy efficiency measures , where cost - effective and technically feasible . 2 . member states may decide not to set or apply the requirements referred to in paragraph 1 to the following categories of buildings : buildings officially protected as part of a designated environment , or because of their special architectural or historical merit , in so far as compliance with certain minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance ; buildings owned by the armed forces or central government and serving national defence purposes , apart from single living quarters or office buildings for the armed forces and other staff employed by national defence authorities ; buildings used as places of worship and for religious activities . 3 . if a member state renovates more than 3 % of the total floor area of central government buildings in a given year , it may count the excess towards the annual renovation rate of any of the three previous or following years . 4 . member states may count towards the annual renovation rate of public authority buildings new buildings occupied and owned as replacements for specific public authority buildings demolished in any of the two previous years , or buildings that have been sold , demolished or taken out of use in any of the two previous years due to more intensive use of other buildings . 5 . for the purposes of paragraph 1 , by 31 december 2013 , member states shall establish and make publicly available an inventory of heated and / or cooled public authority buildings with a total useful floor area over 250 m 2 , excluding buildings exempted on the basis of paragraph 2 . the inventory shall contain the following data : the floor area in m 2 ; and the energy performance of each building or relevant energy data . 6 . without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , member states may opt for an alternative approach to paragraphs 1 to 5 of this article , whereby they take other cost - effective measures , including deep renovations and measures for behavioural change of occupants , to achieve , by 2020 , an amount of energy savings in eligible buildings owned and occupied by their public authorities that is at least equivalent to that required in paragraph 1 , reported on an annual basis . for the purpose of the alternative approach , member states may estimate the energy savings that paragraphs 1 to 4 would generate by using appropriate standard values for the energy consumption of public authorities buildings before and after renovation and according to estimates of the surface of their stock . the categories of reference public authority buildings shall be representative of the stock of such buildings . member states opting for the alternative approach shall notify to the commission , by 31 december 2013 , the alternative measures that they plan to adopt , showing how they would achieve an equivalent improvement in the energy performance of the buildings within the public authorities estate . 7 . member states shall encourage public bodies , including at regional and local level , and social housing bodies governed by public law , with due regard for their respective competences and administrative set - up , to : adopt an energy efficiency plan , freestanding or as part of a broader climate or environmental plan , containing specific energy saving and efficiency objectives and actions , with a view to following the exemplary role of public authority buildings laid down in paragraphs 1 , 5 and 6 ; put in place an energy management system , including energy audits , as part of the implementation of their plan ; use , where appropriate , energy service companies , and energy performance contracting to finance renovations and implement plans to maintain or improve energy efficiency in the long term . ”


### “article 5 exemplary role of public bodies’ buildings without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , each member state shall ensure that , as from 1 january 2014 , 3 % of the total floor area of heated and / or cooled buildings owned and occupied by its central government is renovated each year to meet at least the minimum energy performance requirements that it has set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . the 3 % rate shall be calculated on the total floor area of buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 owned and occupied by the central government of the member state concerned that , on 1 january of each year , do not meet the national minimum energy performance requirements set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . that threshold shall be lowered to 250 m 2 as of 9 july 2015 . where a member state requires that the obligation to renovate each year 3 % of the total floor area extends to floor area owned and occupied by administrative departments at a level below central government , the 3 % rate shall be calculated on the total floor area of buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 and , as of 9 july 2015 , over 250 m 2 owned and occupied by central government and by these administrative departments of the member state concerned that , on 1 january of each year , do not meet the national minimum energy performance requirements set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . when implementing measures for the comprehensive renovation of central government buildings in accordance with the first subparagraph , member states may choose to consider the building as a whole , including the building envelope , equipment , operation and maintenance . member states shall require that central government buildings with the poorest energy performance be a priority for energy efficiency measures , where cost - effective and technically feasible . 2 . member states may decide not to set or apply the requirements referred to in paragraph 1 to the following categories of buildings : buildings officially protected as part of a designated environment , or because of their special architectural or historical merit , in so far as compliance with certain minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance ; buildings owned by the armed forces or central government and serving national defence purposes , apart from single living quarters or office buildings for the armed forces and other staff employed by national defence authorities ; buildings used as places of worship and for religious activities . 3 . if a member state renovates more than 3 % of the total floor area of central government buildings in a given year , it may count the excess towards the annual renovation rate of any of the three previous or following years . 4 . member states may count towards the annual renovation rate of central government buildings new buildings occupied and owned as replacements for specific central government buildings demolished in any of the two previous years , or buildings that have been sold , demolished or taken out of use in any of the two previous years due to more intensive use of other buildings . 5 . for the purposes of paragraph 1 , by 31 december 2013 , member states shall establish and make publicly available an inventory of heated and / or cooled central government buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 and , as of 9 july 2015 , over 250 m 2 , excluding buildings exempted on the basis of paragraph 2 . the inventory shall contain the following data : the floor area in m 2 ; and the energy performance of each building or relevant energy data . 6 . without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , member states may opt for an alternative approach to paragraphs 1 to 5 of this article , whereby they take other cost - effective measures , including deep renovations and measures for behavioural change of occupants , to achieve , by 2020 , an amount of energy savings in eligible buildings owned and occupied by their central government that is at least equivalent to that required in paragraph 1 , reported on an annual basis . for the purpose of the alternative approach , member states may estimate the energy savings that paragraphs 1 to 4 would generate by using appropriate standard values for the energy consumption of reference central government buildings before and after renovation and according to estimates of the surface of their stock . the categories of reference central government buildings shall be representative of the stock of such buildings . member states opting for the alternative approach shall notify to the commission , by 31 december 2013 , the alternative measures that they plan to adopt , showing how they would achieve an equivalent improvement in the energy performance of the buildings within the central government estate . 7 . member states shall encourage public bodies , including at regional and local level , and social housing bodies governed by public law , with due regard for their respective competences and administrative set - up , to : adopt an energy efficiency plan , freestanding or as part of a broader climate or environmental plan , containing specific energy saving and efficiency objectives and actions , with a view to following the exemplary role of central government buildings laid down in paragraphs 1 , 5 and 6 ; put in place an energy management system , including energy audits , as part of the implementation of their plan ; use , where appropriate , energy service companies , and energy performance contracting to finance renovations and implement plans to maintain or improve energy efficiency in the long term . ### article 5 is replaced by the following : “article 5 exemplary role of public bodies’ buildings without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , each member state shall ensure that , as from 1 january 2014 , 3 % of the total floor area of heated and / or cooled buildings owned and occupied by its central government is renovated each year to meet at least the minimum energy performance requirements that it has set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . as from 1 january 2021 this paragraph shall apply to all heated and / or cooled buildings owned and occupied by public authorities with due regard for their respective competences and administrative set - up . the 3 % rate shall be calculated on the total floor area of buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m2 owned and occupied by the central government of the member state concerned that , on 1 january of each year , do not meet the national minimum energy performance requirements set in application of article 4 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu . that threshold shall be lowered to 250 m 2 as of 9 july 2015 , and shall apply to buildings owned and occupied by public authorities as of 1 january 2021 with due regard for their respective competences and administrative set - up . when implementing measures for the comprehensive renovation of public authority buildings in accordance with the first subparagraph , member states may choose to consider the building as a whole , including the building envelope , equipment , operation and maintenance . member states shall require that public authority buildings with the poorest energy performance be a priority for energy efficiency measures , where cost - effective and technically feasible . 2 . member states may decide not to set or apply the requirements referred to in paragraph 1 to the following categories of buildings : buildings officially protected as part of a designated environment , or because of their special architectural or historical merit , in so far as compliance with certain minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance ; buildings owned by the armed forces or central government and serving national defence purposes , apart from single living quarters or office buildings for the armed forces and other staff employed by national defence authorities ; buildings used as places of worship and for religious activities . 3 . if a member state renovates more than 3 % of the total floor area of public authorities ' buildings in a given year , it may count the excess towards the annual renovation rate of any of the three previous or following years . 4 . member states may count towards the annual renovation rate of public authority buildings new buildings occupied and owned as replacements for specific public authority buildings demolished in any of the two previous years , or buildings that have been sold , demolished or taken out of use in any of the two previous years due to more intensive use of other building . 5 . for the purposes of paragraph 1 , by 31 december 2013 , member states shall establish and make publicly available an inventory of heated and / or cooled public authority buildings with a total useful floor area over 500 m 2 and , as of 9 july 2015 , over 250 m 2 , excluding buildings exempted on the basis of paragraph 2 . the inventory shall contain the following data : the floor area in m2 ; and the energy performance of each building ; actual measured energy consumption ; 6 . without prejudice to article 7 of directive 2010 / 31 / eu , member states may opt for an alternative approach to paragraphs 1 to 5 of this article , whereby they take other cost - effective measures , including deep renovations and measures for behavioural change of occupants , to achieve , by 2030 , an amount of energy savings in eligible buildings owned and occupied by their public authorities that is at least equivalent to that required in paragraph 1 , reported on an annual basis . for the purpose of the alternative approach , member states may estimate the energy savings that paragraphs 1 to 4 would generate by using appropriate standard values for the energy consumption of reference public authorities ' buildings before and after renovation and according to estimates of the surface of their stock . the categories of reference public authority buildings shall be representative of the stock of such buildings . member states opting for the alternative approach shall notify to the commission , within 6 months from the entry into force of this directive ] , the alternative measures that they plan to adopt , showing how they would achieve an equivalent improvement in the energy performance of the buildings within the public authority estate . 7 . member states shall encourage public bodies , including at regional and local level , and social housing bodies governed by public law , with due regard for their respective competences and administrative set - up to : adopt an energy efficiency plan and long - term renovation strategy for each building , freestanding or as part of a broader climate or environmental plan , containing specific energy saving and efficiency objectives as well as live cycle costs assessments and actions , with a view to following the exemplary role of public authority buildings laid down in paragraphs 1 , 5 and 6 ; put in place an energy management system , including energy audits , as part of the implementation of their plan ; use , where appropriate , energy service companies , and energy performance contracting to finance renovations and implement plans to maintain or improve energy efficiency in the long term . 7a . member states shall report on the annual energy savings resulting from the renovations , including on the share of deep renovations , and on the total floor area renovated , according to article 19 of the governance regulation [ ] .


### member states shall decide how the calculated quantity of new savings is to be phased over each period referred to in points and as long as the required total cumulative savings have been achieved by the end of each period . ### member states shall decide how the new primary energy savings calculated on the basis of the pef indicators set out in annexes iva and ivb are to be phased over each period referred to in points and and how declared savings will be reached by the end of each period ; the pef indicators should be updated every two - and - a - half years by means of negotiations between the member states and the commission .


### allow energy savings achieved in the energy transformation , distribution and transmission sectors , including efficient district heating and cooling infrastructure , as a result of implementing the requirements set out in article 14 , point of article 14 and article 15 to and , to be counted towards the amount of energy savings required under paragraph 1 ; ### allow energy savings achieved in the energy transformation , distribution and transmission sectors , including efficient district heating and cooling infrastructure , as a result of implementing the requirements set out in article 14 , point of article 14 and article 15 to and , to be counted towards the amount of energy savings required under paragraph 1 ; the savings shall be properly accounted for via a common methodology , favouring the benchmarking of technologies ;


### for the calculation of the amount of energy savings required for the period referred to in point of paragraph 1 member states may make use of points , , and of paragraph 2 , provided individual actions in the meaning of point continue to have a verifiable and measurable impact after 31 december 2020 . ### for the calculation of the amount of energy savings required for the period referred to in point of paragraph 1 member states may only make use of points , and of paragraph 2 .


### member states shall ensure that savings resulting from policy measures referred to in articles 7a and 7b and article 20 are calculated in accordance with annex v . ### member states shall ensure that savings resulting from policy measures referred to in articles 7a and 7b and article 20 are calculated in accordance with annex v and va .


### where member states decide to fulfil their obligations to achieve the amount of savings required under article 7 by way of an energy efficiency obligation scheme they shall ensure that obligated parties referred to in paragraph 2 operating in each member state ' s territory achieve , without prejudice to article 7 , the cumulative end - use energy savings requirement set out in article 7 . ### where member states decide to fulfil their obligations to achieve the amount of savings required under article 7 by way of an energy efficiency obligation scheme they shall ensure that obligated parties referred to in paragraph 2 operating in each member state ' s territory achieve , without prejudice to article 7 within the timeframe for the obligation scheme they have adopted , the cumulative end - use energy savings requirement set out in article 7 .


### where heating and cooling or hot water are supplied to a building from a central source servicing multiple buildings or from district heating and cooling network , a heat or hot water meter shall always be installed at the heat exchanger or point of delivery . ### where heating , cooling or domestic hot water are supplied to a building from a central source servicing multiple buildings or from district heating or cooling network , a meter shall be installed at the heat exchanger or point of delivery .


### where the use of individual meters is not technically feasible or where it is not cost - efficient to measure heating or cooling in each building unit , individual heat cost allocators shall be used to measure heat consumption at each radiator unless it is shown by the member state in question that the installation of such heat cost allocators would not be cost efficient . in those cases , alternative cost - efficient methods of heat consumption measurement may be considered . the conditions of technical non - feasibility and non - cost effectiveness shall be clearly set out and published by each member state . ### where the use of individual meters is not technically feasible or where it is not cost - efficient to measure heating or cooling in each building unit or , given the potential energy savings , such action would not be warranted , individual heat cost allocators shall be used to measure heat consumption at each radiator unless the installation of such heat cost allocators is not cost - efficient , technically not feasible , or not warranted by the potential energy savings . in those cases , alternative cost - efficient methods of heat consumption measurement may be considered . the conditions of technical non - feasibility and non - cost - effectiveness shall be clearly set out and published by each member state .


### for the purposes of this article , as of 1 january 2020 meters and cost allocators installed shall be remotely readable devices . ### for the purposes of this article , as of 1 january 2020 meters and cost allocators installed shall be remotely readable devices . the conditions regarding technical feasibility , cost - effectiveness and proportionality set out in the first and second subparagraphs of paragraph 2 shall continue to apply .


### shall require that , if information on the energy billing and historical consumption of final users is available , it be made available , to an energy service provider designated by the final user ; ### shall require that , if information on the energy billing and historical consumption of final users is available , it be made available , provided that the final user concerned has given his or her express consent , to an energy service provider designated by that final user ;


### ‘ a ) set up and make public their standard rules relating to the bearing and sharing of costs of technical adaptations , such as grid connections and grid reinforcements , improved operation of the grid and rules on the non - discriminatory implementation of the grid codes , which are necessary in order to integrate new producers feeding electricity produced from high - efficiency cogeneration into the interconnected grid ; ### in annex xii , point is replaced by the following : ‘ a ) set up and make public their standard rules relating to the bearing and sharing of costs of technical adaptations , such as grid connections , grid reinforcements and the introduction of new grids , improved operation of the grid and rules on the non - discriminatory implementation of the grid codes , which are necessary in order to integrate new producers feeding electricity produced from high - efficiency cogeneration into the interconnected grid and other diffused sources . ’


### in addition to the conditions laid down in paragraph 1 , the gross annual salary resulting from the monthly or annual salary specified in the work contract or binding job offer shall not be inferior to the salary threshold set and published for that purpose by the member states . the salary threshold set by the member states shall be at least 1 . 0 times but not higher than 1 . 4 times the average gross annual salary in the member state concerned . ### in addition to the conditions laid down in paragraph 1 , member states may introduce a salary threshold . where a salary threshold is introduced , the gross annual salary resulting from the monthly or annual salary specified in the work contract or binding job offer , shall not be inferior to the salary threshold set and published for that purpose by the member state . where a member state has introduced a salary threshold , it shall be at least 1 . 0 times but not higher than 1 . 4 times the average gross annual salary in the member state concerned . member states shall involve the social partners if and when a salary threshold is set .


### in addition to the conditions laid down in paragraph 1 , the gross annual salary resulting from the monthly or annual salary specified in the work contract or binding job offer shall not be inferior to the salary threshold set and published for that purpose by the member states . the salary threshold set by the member states shall be at least 1 . 0 times but not higher than 1 . 4 times the average gross annual salary in the member state concerned . ### in addition to the conditions laid down in paragraph 1 , the gross annual salary resulting from the monthly or annual salary specified in the work contract or binding job offer shall not be inferior to the salary threshold set and published for that purpose by the member states . the salary threshold set by the member states shall be at least 1 . 0 times but not higher than 1 . 4 times the average gross annual salary in the member state concerned . member states shall involve the social partners before introducing a salary threshold .


### it should be presumed that applicants who are registered in vis and have obtained and lawfully used two visas within the 12 months prior to the application fulfil the entry conditions regarding the risk of irregular immigration and the need to possess sufficient means of subsistence . however , this presumption should be rebuttable where the competent authorities establish that one or more of these conditions are not fulfilled in individual cases . ### it should be presumed that applicants who are registered in vis and have obtained and lawfully used one visa within the 12 months prior to the application fulfil the entry conditions regarding the risk of irregular immigration and the need to possess sufficient means of subsistence . however , this presumption should be rebuttable where the competent authorities establish that one or more of these conditions are not fulfilled in individual cases .


### ' vis registered regular traveller ' means a visa applicant who is registered in the visa information system and who has obtained two visas within the 12 months prior to the application ; ### ' vis registered regular traveller ' means a visa applicant who : is registered in the visa information system and has obtained a visa within the 12 months prior to the application ; has previously obtained a multiple entry visa , a national visa or a national residence permit issued by a member state which was valid for at least six months provided that the application is lodged no later than 12 months after expiry of that multiple entry visa , national visa or national residence permit ; or has lawfully travelled to the schengen area on two occasions within the 12 months prior to the application ;


### ‘ vis registered regular traveller’ means a visa applicant who is registered in the visa information system and who has obtained two visas within the 12 months prior to the application ; ### ‘ vis registered regular traveller’ means a visa applicant who is registered in the visa information system and who has obtained two visas within the 18 months prior to the application ;


### if the member state that is competent in accordance with paragraph 1 , point or , is neither present nor represented in the third country where the applicant lodges the application in accordance with article 6 , the applicant is entitled to lodge the application : ### if the member state that is competent in accordance with paragraph 1 , point or , is neither present nor represented in the third country where the applicant lodges the application in accordance with article 6 , or where its nearest consulate or a schengen visa centre is located more than 500 km from the applicant ' s place of residence , or if a return journey by public transport from the applicant ' s place of residence would require an overnight stay , the applicant is entitled to lodge the application :


### applications may be lodged six months before and no later than 15 calendar days before the start of the intended visit . ### applications may be lodged twelve months before and no later than 15 calendar days before the start of the intended visit .


### the content of the electronic version of the application form , if applicable , shall be as set out in annex i . ### an electronic version of the application form shall be available and its content shall be as set out in annex i .


### participants aged 25 years or less in seminars , conferences , sports , cultural or educational events organised by non - profit organisations ; ### participants aged 30 or under in seminars , conferences , sports , cultural or educational events organised by non - profit organisations ;


### in the examination of an application for a uniform visa lodged by a vis registered regular traveller who has lawfully used the two previously obtained visas , it shall be presumed that the applicant fulfils the entry conditions regarding the risk of irregular immigration , a risk to the security of the member states , and the possession of sufficient means of subsistence . ### in the examination of an application for a uniform visa lodged by a vis registered regular traveller who has lawfully used the previously obtained visa , it shall be presumed that the applicant fulfils the entry conditions regarding the risk of irregular immigration , a risk to the security of the member states , and the possession of sufficient means of subsistence .


### a visa may be issued for one or multiple entries . the period of validity of a multiple entry visa shall not exceed five years . the period of validity of a multiple entry visa may extend beyond the period of validity of the passport to which the visa is affixed . ### a visa may be issued for one or multiple entries . the period of validity of a multiple entry visa shall not exceed ten years . the period of validity of a multiple entry visa may extend beyond the period of validity of the passport to which the visa is affixed .


### vis registered regular travellers who have lawfully used the two previously obtained visas shall be issued a multiple entry visa valid for at least three years . ### vis registered regular travellers who have lawfully used their previously obtained visa shall be issued a multiple entry visa valid for at least five years .


### applicants referred to in paragraph 3 who have lawfully used the multiple entry visa valid for three years shall be issued a multiple entry visa valid for five years provided that the application is lodged no later than one year from the expiry date of the multiple entry visa valid for three years . ### applicants who have lawfully used the multiple entry visa referred to in paragraph 3 shall be issued a new multiple entry visa valid for at least five years provided that the application is lodged no later than one year from the expiry date of the multiple entry visa referred to in paragraph 3 .


### a seafarer who is required to be in possession of a visa when crossing the external borders of the member states may be issued with a visa at the border where : ### a seafarer who is required to be in possession of a visa when crossing the external borders of the member states shall be issued with a visa at the border where :


### documents relating to accommodation ; ### documents relating to accommodation , or evidence of sufficient means to cover accommodation ;


### domain names in the . eu tld should be allocated to the eligible parties subject to availability . ### domain names in the . eu tld should be allocated to the eligible parties subject to availability . the european union intellectual property office could also be granted to offer applicants of the european union trade marks and / or the registered community designs , an allocation of the . eu tlds applicable to their trademarks or design , subject to availability , while ensuring that they do not alter distort the competition with registrars . the commission may offer this possibly to other eu agencies after an assessing the synergies that could be attained .


### the whois database shall contain relevant information , which is not excessive in relation to the purpose of the database , about the points of contact administering the domain names under the . eu tld and the holders of the domain names . where the domain name holder is a natural person , the information that is to be made publicly available shall be subject to the domain name holder’s consent within the meaning of regulation 2016 / 679 . ### the whois database shall contain relevant information , within the limits set by regulation 2016 / 679 . in particular , the information collected shall not be excessive in relation to the purpose of the database , about the points of contact administering the domain names under the . eu tld and the holders of the domain names . where the domain name holder is a natural person , the information that is to be made publicly available shall be subject to the domain name holder’s consent within the meaning of regulation 2016 / 679 .


### article 49 of the treaty on european union provides that any european state which respects the values of respect for human dignity , freedom , democracy , equality , the rule of law and respect for human rights , including the rights of persons belonging to minorities , and commits to promote these values , may apply to become a member of the union . a european state which has applied to join the union can become a member only when it has been confirmed that it meets the membership criteria established at the copenhagen european council in june 1993 and provided that the union has the capacity to integrate the new member . the copenhagen criteria relate to the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy , the rule of law , human rights and respect for and protection of minorities , the existence of a functioning market economy as well as the capacity to cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the union , and the ability to assume not only the rights but also the obligations under the treaties , including adherence to the aims of political , economic and monetary union . ### article 49 teu provides that any european state which respects the values of respect for human dignity , freedom , democracy , equality , the rule of law and respect for human rights , including the rights of persons belonging to minorities , and commits to promote these values , may apply to become a member of the union . those values are common to member states in a society in which pluralism , non - discrimination , tolerance , justice , solidarity and equality between women and men prevail .