### the person or department referred to in point of paragraph 1 may be the same person who is competent for receiving the reports . additional persons may be designated as “trusted persons” from whom reporting persons and those considering reporting may seek confidential advice . ### the person or department referred to in point of paragraph 1 may be the same person who is competent for receiving the reports . additional persons may be designated as “trusted persons” from whom reporting persons and those considering reporting may seek confidential advice . these persons may , in particular , be workers’ representatives .


### member states shall ensure that competent authorities follow up on the reports by taking the necessary measures and investigate , to the extent appropriate , the subject - matter of the reports . the competent authorities shall communicate to the reporting person the final outcome of the investigations . ### member states shall ensure that competent authorities follow up on the reports by taking the necessary measures and investigate , to the extent appropriate , the subject - matter of the reports . the competent authorities shall communicate to the reporting person and all relevant other member states and competent eu competent authorities , offices and agencies the final outcome of the investigations .


### maintaining contact with the reporting person for the purpose of informing the reporting person of the progress and the outcome of the investigation . ### maintaining confidential contact with the reporting person for the purpose of informing the reporting person of the progress and the outcome of the investigation .


### article 8 dedicated staff members member states shall ensure that competent authorities have staff members dedicated to handling reports . dedicated staff members shall receive specific training for the purposes of handling reports . 2 . dedicated staff members shall exercise the following functions : providing any interested person with information on the procedures for reporting ; b ) receiving and following - up reports ; c ) maintaining contact with the reporting person for the purpose of informing the reporting person of the progress and the outcome of the investigation . ### article 8 dedicated staff members member states shall ensure that competent authorities have staff members dedicated to handling reports . dedicated staff members shall receive specific and regular training for the purposes of handling reports . 2 . dedicated staff members shall exercise the following functions : providing any interested person with information on the procedures for reporting and on the protection to which he or she is entitled ; b ) receiving and following - up reports ; c ) maintaining contact with the reporting person or the intermediary for the purpose of informing them of the progress and the outcome of the investigation .


### the detailed description referred to in point of paragraph 1 shall include the exceptional cases in which confidentiality of personal data may not be ensured , including where the disclosure of data is a necessary and proportionate obligation required under union or national law in the context of investigations or subsequent judicial proceedings or to safeguard the freedoms of others including the right of defence of the concerned person , and in each case subject to appropriate safeguards under such laws . ### the detailed description referred to in point of paragraph 1 shall include the exceptional cases in which confidentiality of personal data may be breached , including where the disclosure of data is a necessary and proportionate obligation required under union or national law in the context of investigations or subsequent judicial proceedings or to safeguard the freedoms of others including the right of defence , and in each case subject to appropriate safeguards under such laws .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to prohibit any form of retaliation , whether direct or indirect , against reporting persons meeting the conditions set out in article 13 , including in particular in the form of : suspension , lay - off , dismissal or equivalent measures ; b ) demotion or withholding of promotion ; c ) transfer of duties , change of location of place of work , reduction in wages , change in working hours ; d ) withholding of training ; e ) negative performance assessment or employment reference ; f ) imposition or administering of any discipline , reprimand or other penalty , including a financial penalty ; g ) coercion , intimidation , harassment or ostracism at the workplace ; h ) discrimination , disadvantage or unfair treatment ; failure to convert a temporary employment contract into a permanent one ; j ) failure to renew or early termination of the temporary employment contract ; k ) damage , including to the person’s reputation , or financial loss , including loss of business and loss of income ; l ) blacklisting on the basis of a sector or industry - wide informal or formal agreement , which entails that the person will not , in the future , find employment in the sector or industry ; m ) early termination or cancellation of contract for goods or services ; n ) cancellation of a licence or permit . ### member states and the commission shall take the necessary measures to prohibit and impose penalties for any form of retaliation , whether direct or indirect , against : reporting persons meeting the definition set out in point 9 of article 3 or those preparing an imminent report or disclosure ; b ) any relatives of the reporting person who are also in a work - related relationship with the latter’s employer or customer / recipient of services ; c ) any natural or legal person who is assisting , collaborating or has collaborated with the reporting person on the report , particularly through sharing information about the report ; d ) any person involved in exercising the reporting person’s right to disclosure ; e ) any person representing the reporting person or who has provided support to the reporting person ; f ) the family and relatives of the reporting person . 1a . the retaliation referred to in paragraph 1 may take the forms mentioned below in particular , either as an actual act or even as threats or suggestions : suspension , lay - off , dismissal or equivalent measures ; b ) demotion or withholding of promotion ; c ) transfer of duties , change of location of place of work , reduction in wages , change in working hours ; d ) withholding of training ; e ) negative performance assessment or employment reference , or refusal to provide an employment reference ; f ) imposition or administering of any discipline , reprimand or other penalty , including a financial penalty ; g ) coercion , intimidation , harassment or ostracism at or outside of the workplace , or failure to address them ; h ) discrimination , disadvantage or unfair treatment ; failure to convert a temporary employment contract into a permanent one ; j ) failure to renew or early termination of the temporary employment contract ; k ) damage , including to the person’s reputation , particularly on social media , or financial loss , including loss of business and loss of income ; l ) blacklisting on the basis of a sector or industry - wide informal or formal agreement , which entails that the person will not , in the future , find employment in the sector or industry ; m ) early termination or cancellation of contract for goods or services ; m a ) refusal to consider a feasible transfer option upon the reporting person ' s request ; n ) cancellation of a licence or permit ; na ) wilful ignorance of the retaliation by a supervisor or supervisory body who is tasked with monitoring the protected person ; nb ) breaching the confidentiality and anonymity of the reporting person and other persons protected by this directive ; nc ) physical , moral or financial pressure exerted on the persons protected by this directive ; nd ) denying the rights of the defence , including excessive delays in the handling of cases ; ne ) abuse , including institutional abuse .


### transfer of duties , change of location of place of work , reduction in wages , change in working hours ; ### transfer or restriction of duties , change of location of place of work , reduction in wages and allowances , change or reduction in working hours and working time arrangements ;


### withholding of training ; ### withholding of training and vocational training ;


### failure to convert a temporary employment contract into a permanent one ; ### failure to convert a temporary or non - standard employment contract into a permanent one ;


### persons reporting externally to competent authorities or making a public disclosure in accordance with this directive shall not be considered to have breached any restriction on disclosure of information imposed by contract or by any legislative , regulatory or administrative provision , and incur liability of any kind in respect of such disclosure . ### persons reporting or disclosing information concerning breaches of union law detrimental to the public interest in accordance with this directive shall not be considered to have breached any restriction on disclosure of information imposed by contract or by any legislative , regulatory or administrative provision , and incur liability of any kind , including of a criminal nature , in respect of such disclosure .


### member states shall provide for effective , proportionate and dissuasive penalties applicable to natural or legal persons that : ### member states shall provide for effective , proportionate and dissuasive penalties , including , where appropriate , of a criminal nature , applicable to natural or legal persons that :


### any processing of personal data carried out pursuant to this directive , including the exchange or transmission of personal data by the competent authorities , shall be made in accordance with regulation 2016 / 679 and directive 2016 / 680 . any exchange or transmission of information by competent authorities at union level should be undertaken in accordance with regulation no 45 / 2001 . personal data which are not relevant for the handling of a specific case shall be immediately deleted . ### any processing of personal data carried out pursuant to this directive , including the exchange or transmission of personal data by the competent authorities , shall be made in accordance with regulation 2016 / 679 and directive 2016 / 680 . any exchange or transmission of information by competent authorities at union level should be undertaken in accordance with regulation no 45 / 2001 . personal data which are not relevant for the handling of a specific case shall not be collected or , if accidentally collected , shall be immediately deleted .


### more favourable treatment ### more favourable treatment and non - regression clause


### member states shall provide the commission with all relevant information regarding the implementation and application of this directive . on the basis of the information provided , the commission shall , by 15 may 2023 , submit a report to the european parliament and the council on the implementation and application of this directive . ### member states shall provide the commission with all relevant information regarding the implementation and application of this directive . on the basis of the information provided , the commission shall , by 15 may 2023 , submit a report to the european parliament and the council on the implementation and application of this directive . the report shall also include an initial assessment of whether it would be advisable to extend the scope of this directive to cover further areas or union acts .


### the commission shall , by 15 may 2027 , taking into account its report submitted pursuant to paragraph 1 and the member states’ statistics submitted pursuant to paragraph 2 , submit a report to the european parliament and to the council assessing the impact of national law transposing this directive . the report shall evaluate the way in which this directive has operated and consider the need for additional measures , including , where appropriate , amendments with a view to extending the scope of this directive to further areas or union acts . ### the commission shall , by 15 may 2025 , taking into account its report submitted pursuant to paragraph 1 and the member states’ statistics submitted pursuant to paragraph 2 , submit a report to the european parliament and to the council assessing the impact of national law transposing this directive . the report shall evaluate the way in which this directive has operated and consider the need for additional measures , including , where appropriate , amendments with a view to extending the scope of this directive to further areas or union acts .


### the water resources of the union are increasingly coming under pressure , leading to water scarcity and quality deterioration . in particular , climate change and drought are contributing significantly to the strain on the availability of freshwater , arising from urban development and agriculture . ### the water resources of the union are increasingly coming under pressure , leading to water scarcity and quality deterioration . in particular , climate change , unpredictable weather patterns&#160 ; and drought are contributing significantly to the strain on the availability and supply of freshwater , arising from urban development and agricultural practices .


### the union’s ability to respond to the increasing pressure on water resources could be enhanced by wider reuse of treated waste water . directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council15mentions the reuse of water as one of the supplementary measures member states may choose to apply to achieve the directive’s objectives of good qualitative and quantitative water status for surface waters and groundwaters . council directive 91 / 271 / eec16requires that treated waste water be reused whenever appropriate . _________________ 15 directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy . 16 council directive 91 / 271 / eec of 21 may 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment . ### the union’s ability to respond to the increasing pressure on water resources could be enhanced by wider reuse of treated waste water . directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council15 mentions the reuse of water as one of the supplementary measures member states may choose to apply to achieve the directive’s objectives of good qualitative and quantitative water status for surface waters and groundwaters , this being of great importance for humans and the ecosystem . council directive 91 / 271 / eec16 requires that treated waste water be reused whenever appropriate . 15 directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy . 16 council directive 91 / 271 / eec of 21 may 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment .


### the communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions on “a blueprint to safeguard europe ' s water resources”17 pointed to water reuse for irrigation or industrial purposes as an alternative water supply option requiring union attention . ___________________ 17 com 673 . ### the communication from the commission to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions on “a blueprint to safeguard europe ' s water resources”17 pointed to the need to create an instrument to regulate standards at union level for water reuse , to remove the barriers to a widespread use of such an alternative water supply option that can help to reduce water scarcity and lessen the vulnerability of supply systems . ___________________ 17 com 673 .


### the communication from the commission to the european parliament and the council ' addressing the challenge of water scarcity and droughts in the european union18 sets out the hierarchy of measures that member states should consider in managing water scarcity and droughts . it states that in regions where all preventive measures have been implemented according to the water hierarchy and where demand for water still exceeds availability , additional water supply infrastructure can , in some circumstances and taking into account of the cost benefit dimension , serve as an alternative approach to mitigate the impacts of severe drought . ___________________ 18 com 414 . ### the communication from the commission to the european parliament and the council ' addressing the challenge of water scarcity and droughts in the european union18 sets out the hierarchy of measures that member states should consider in managing water scarcity and droughts . for the same purpose , it would be advisable to lay down within directive 2000 / 60 / ec18aa binding hierarchy for the sound management of water . it states that in regions where all preventive measures have been implemented according to the water hierarchy and where demand for water still exceeds availability , additional water supply infrastructure can , in some circumstances and taking into account of the cost benefit dimension , serve as an alternative approach to mitigate the impacts of severe drought . ___________________ 18 com 414 . 18a directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy .


### in its action plan for the circular economy 19the commission committed to taking a series of actions to promote the reuse of treated waste water , including the development of a legislative proposal on minimum requirements for water reuse . ___________________ 19 com 614 . ### in its action plan for the circular economy 19the commission committed to taking a series of actions to promote the reuse of treated waste water , including the development of a legislative proposal on minimum requirements for water reuse . the commission should update its action plan and keep water resources as a priority in which to intervene . ___________________ 19 com 614 .


### health standards in relation to food hygiene for agricultural products irrigated with reclaimed water can be achieved only if quality requirements for reclaimed water destined for agricultural irrigation do not differ significantly in member states . harmonisation of requirements will also contribute to the efficient functioning of the internal market in relation to such products . it is therefore appropriate to introduce minimum harmonisation by setting minimum requirements for water quality and monitoring . those minimum requirements should consist of minimum parameters for reclaimed water and other stricter or additional quality requirements imposed , if necessary , by competent authorities together with any relevant preventive measures . in order to identify stricter or additional requirements for water quality , the reclamation plant operators should perform key risk management tasks . the parameters are based on the technical report of the commission joint research center and reflect the international standards on water reuse . ### health standards in relation to food hygiene for agricultural products irrigated with reclaimed water can be achieved only if quality requirements for reclaimed water destined for agricultural irrigation do not differ significantly in member states . harmonisation of requirements will also contribute to the efficient functioning of the internal market in relation to such products . it is therefore appropriate to introduce minimum harmonisation by setting minimum requirements for water quality , the frequency of water monitoring and the procedures for water inspection . those minimum requirements should consist of minimum parameters for reclaimed water and other stricter or additional quality requirements imposed , if necessary , by competent authorities together with any relevant preventive measures . the management authority should draft a risk management plan , in conjunction with the main entities involved , and should also lay down their roles and responsibilities , in order to identify stricter or additional requirements for the quality of the reclaimed water . those entities should also include the reclaimed water distribution system operator , which should be given responsibility for maintaining the quality of reclaimed water intended for a specific use . similar tasks should also be given to the final users . this risk management plan may comprise a specific plan or may be part of an already existing water management plan . every risk management plan should be kept constantly updated and drafted in accordance with internationally recognised standardised procedures . the parameters are based on the technical report of the commission joint research center and reflect the international standards on water reuse .


### the adherence to minimum requirements for water reuse should help support the achievement of the sustainable development goals of the united nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development , in particular goal 6 , to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all as well as a substantial increase in recycling and safe reuse of water globally . furthermore , this regulation seeks to ensure the application of article 37 on environmental protection of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union . ### the adherence to minimum requirements for water reuse should help support the achievement of the sustainable development goals of the united nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development , in particular goal 6 , to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all as well as a substantial increase in recycling and safe reuse of water globally with a view to contributing to united nations sustainable development goal 12 , on sustainable consumption and production . furthermore , this regulation seeks to ensure the application of article 37 on environmental protection of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union .


### risk management should comprise identifying and managing risks in a proactive way and incorporate the concept of producing reclaimed water of a quality required for particular uses . the risk assessment should be based on key risk management tasks and should identify any additional water quality requirements necessary to ensure sufficient protection of the environment , human and animal health . ### risk management should comprise identifying and managing risks in a proactive way and incorporate the concept of producing , distributing and supplying reclaimed water of a quality required for particular uses . the risk assessment should be based on key risk management tasks identified for the various entities involved and should involve the identification , by the relevant authority , of any additional water quality requirements necessary to ensure sufficient protection of the environment , human and animal health .


### competent authorities should verify compliance of the reclaimed water with the conditions set out in the permit . in cases of non - compliance , they should require the reclamation plant operator to take the necessary measures to ensure compliance . the operators of reclamation plants should immediately suspend any supply of the reclaimed water when non - compliance causes a significant risk to the environment or to human health . ### competent authorities should verify compliance of the reclaimed water with the conditions set out in the permit . in cases of non - compliance , they should require the reclamation plant operator to take the necessary measures to ensure compliance . the operators of reclamation plants should immediately suspend any supply of the reclaimed water when non - compliance exceeds specified maximum values , and as a result causes a significant risk to the environment or to human health .


### this regulation lays down minimum requirements for water quality and monitoring and the obligation to carry out specified key risk management tasks , for the safe reuse of treated urban waste water in the context of integrated water management . ### this regulation lays down minimum requirements for water quality and monitoring and the obligation to carry out specified key risk management tasks , for the safe reuse of treated urban waste water for agricultural irrigation in the context of integrated water management . in addition , this regulation contributes to achievement of the goals laid down in directive 2000 / 60 / ec , directive 98 / 83 / ec , directive 2013 / 39 / eu , directive 92 / 43 / ec and directive 91 / 271 / eec . water reuse in drinking water catchments shall not be authorised .


### the purpose of this regulation is to guarantee that reclaimed water is safe for its intended use , thereby ensuring a high level of protection of human and animal health and the environment , addressing water scarcity and the resulting pressure on water resources in a coordinated way throughout the union , thus also contributing to the efficient functioning of the internal market . ### the purpose of this regulation is to guarantee that reclaimed water is safe for its intended use , thereby ensuring a high level of protection of human and animal health and the environment , and at the same time reducing the adverse effects of the use of water resources and improving efficiency , through an instrument that is able to address water scarcity and the resulting pressure on water resources in a coordinated way throughout the union , thus contributing to the transition to a circular economy , ensuring the long - term competitiveness of the union and the efficient functioning of the internal market .


### reclamation plant operators shall ensure that reclaimed water destined for a use specified in section 1 of annex i , shall , at the outlet of the reclamation plant , comply with the following : ### reclamation plant operators shall ensure that reclaimed water destined for a use specified in section 1 of annex i , shall , at the point of compliance , comply with the following :


### reclamation plant operators shall ensure that reclaimed water destined for a use specified in section 1 of annex i , shall , at the outlet of the reclamation plant , comply with the following : ### reclamation plant operators shall ensure that reclaimed water destined for a use specified in section 1 of annex i , shall at the point of compliance , comply with the following :


### a water reuse risk management plan drawn up in accordance with article 5 ; ### a water reuse risk management plan drawn up in accordance with annex ii , point ;


### a description of how the reclamation plant operator will comply with the additional requirements proposed in the water reuse risk management plan . ### a description of how the reclamation plant operator will comply with the additional requirements proposed in the water reuse risk management plan referred to in article 5 .


### other relevant authorities of the same member state , in particular the water authority , if different than the competent authority ; ### other relevant authorities of the same member state , in particular the water authority and the health authority , if different than the competent authority ;


### the competent authority shall decide within 3 months from the receipt of the complete application as referred to in point of article 6 whether to grant the permit . where the competent authority needs more time due to the complexity of the application , it shall inform the applicant thereof , indicate the expected date of granting the permit and provide reasons for the extension . ### the competent authority shall assess the application , having recourse to appropriate scientific assistance , and shall decide within 3 months from the receipt of the complete application as referred to in point of article 6 whether to grant or refuse the permit . where the competent authority needs more time due to the complexity of the application , it shall inform the applicant thereof without delay , indicate the expected date of granting the permit and provide reasons for the extension . the decision must in any event be made no more than six months from the receipt of the complete application as referred to in point of article 6 .


### without prejudice to directives 2003 / 4 / ec and 2007 / 2 / ec , member states shall ensure that adequate and up - to - date information on reuse of water is available online to the public . that information shall include the following : ### without prejudice to directives 2003 / 4 / ec and 2007 / 2 / ec , member states shall ensure that adequate , up - to - date and accessible information on reuse of water is available online to the public or through other easy - to - use methods , complying with data protection rules . that information shall include the following :


### the commission shall , by &#8230 ; [ 6 years after the date of entry into force of this regulation ] , carry out an evaluation of this regulation . the evaluation shall be based at least on the following elements : ### the commission shall , by &#8230 ; [ five years after the date of entry into force of this regulation ] , carry out an evaluation of this regulation . the evaluation shall be based at least on the following elements :


### agricultural irrigation ### use for agricultural irrigation purposes


### if deemed appropriate and proportionate , the contracting authority may require tenderers to submit a guarantee in advance to make sure that the tenders submitted will not be withdrawn . ### if deemed appropriate and proportionate , the contracting authority may require tenderers to submit a guarantee in advance to make sure that the tenders submitted will not be withdrawn . the guarantee demanded should be proportionate to the tender and should be set at a very low level in order to prevent discrimination against diverse economic operators .


### the obligations of member states as regards convictions of third country nationals should also include fingerprints to secure identification . this obligation includes to store information , including fingerprints , to reply to requests on information from other central authorities , to ensure that a criminal record extract requested by a third country national is supplemented as appropriate with information from other member states , and to make the technical changes to apply state - of - the - art technologies necessary to make the information exchange system work . ### the obligations of member states as regards convictions of third country nationals should also include fingerprints when this is necessary to secure identification . this obligation includes to store information , including fingerprints , to reply to requests on information from other central authorities , to ensure that a criminal record extract requested by a third country national is supplemented as appropriate with information from other member states , and to make the technical changes to apply state - of - the - art technologies necessary to make the information exchange system work .


### all criminal records data shall be stored solely in databases operated by the member states . ### all criminal records data shall be stored solely in databases operated by the member states within the territory of the union .


### by [ 24 months after implementation ] , the commission shall submit a report on the application of this framework decision to the european parliament and the council . the report shall assess the extent to which the member states have taken the necessary measures to comply with this framework decision , including the technical implementation . ### by [ 12 months after implementation ] , the commission shall submit a report on the application of this framework decision to the european parliament and the council . the report shall assess the fundamental rights implications of the legislation , in particular the effects to the protection of personal data and the principle of non - discrimination and the extent to which the member states have taken the necessary measures to comply with this framework decision , including the technical implementation .


### with 1 . 8% of eu gdp , down from 2 . 2% in 2009 , infrastructure investment activities in the union in 2016 were about 20% below investment rates before the global financial crisis . thus , while a recovery in investment - to - gdp ratios in the union can be observed , it remains below what might be expected in a strong recovery period and is insufficient to compensate years of underinvestment . more importantly , the current investment levels and forecasts do not cover the union ' s structural investment needs in the face of technological change and global competitiveness , including for innovation , skills , infrastructure , small and medium - sized enterprises and the need to address key societal challenges such as sustainability or population ageing . consequently , continued support is necessary to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors to achieve the union ' s policy objectives . ### with 1 . 8% of eu gdp , down from 2 . 2% in 2009 , infrastructure investment activities in the union in 2016 were about 20% below investment rates before the global financial crisis . thus , while a recovery in investment - to - gdp ratios in the union can be observed , it remains below what might be expected in a strong recovery period and is insufficient to compensate years of underinvestment . more importantly , the current investment levels and forecasts do not cover the union ' s structural investment needs in the face of technological change and global competitiveness , including for innovation , skills , infrastructure and small and medium - sized enterprises , particularly in the cultural and creative sector , and the need to address key societal challenges such as sustainability or population ageing . consequently , continued support is necessary to address market failures and sub - optimal investment situations to reduce the investment gap in targeted sectors to achieve the union ' s policy objectives .


### in the last years , the union has adopted ambitious strategies to complete the single market and to stimulate sustainable growth and jobs , such as the capital markets union , the digital single market strategy , the clean energy for all europeans package , the union action plan for the circular economy , the low - emission mobility strategy , the defence and the space strategy for europe . the investeu fund should exploit and reinforce synergies between those mutually reinforcing strategies through providing support to investment and access to financing . ### in the last years , the union has adopted ambitious strategies to complete the single market and to stimulate sustainable growth and jobs , such as the capital markets union , the digital single market strategy , the european agenda for culture , the clean energy for all europeans package , the union action plan for the circular economy , the low - emission mobility strategy , the defence and the space strategy for europe . the investeu fund should exploit and reinforce synergies between those mutually reinforcing strategies through providing support to investment and access to financing .


### the investeu fund should contribute to improving the competitiveness of the union , including in the field of innovation and digitisation , the sustainability of the union ' s economic growth , the social resilience and inclusiveness and the integration of the union capital markets , including solutions addressing their fragmentation and diversifying sources of financing for the union enterprises . to that end , it should support projects that are technically and economically viable by providing a framework for the use of debt , risk sharing and equity instruments underpinned by a guarantee from the union ' s budget and by contributions from implementing partners . it should be demand - driven while support under the investeu fund should at the same time focus on contributing to meeting policy objectives of the union . ### the investeu fund should contribute to improving the competitiveness of the union , including in the field of innovation and digitisation , the sustainability of the union ' s economic growth , the social resilience and inclusiveness and the integration of the union capital markets , including solutions addressing their fragmentation and helping support the twofold value of the cultural and creative industries , diversifying sources of financing for the union enterprises . to that end , it should support projects that are technically and economically viable by providing a framework for the use of debt , risk sharing and equity instruments underpinned by a guarantee from the union ' s budget and by contributions from implementing partners . it should be demand - driven while support under the investeu fund should at the same time focus on contributing to meeting policy objectives of the union .


### the investeu fund should support investments in tangible and intangible assets to foster growth , investment and employment , and thereby contributing to improved well - being and fairer income distribution in the union . intervention through the investeu fund should complement union support delivered through grants . ### the investeu fund should support investments in tangible and intangible assets , including cultural heritage , to foster growth , investment and employment , and thereby contributing to improved well - being and fairer income distribution in the union . intervention through the investeu fund should complement union support delivered through grants .


### small and medium - sized enterprises play a crucial role in the union . however , they face challenges when accessing finance because of their perceived high risk and lack of sufficient collateral . additional challenges arise from smes ' need to stay competitive by engaging in digitisation , internationalisation and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce . moreover , compared to larger enterprises , they have access to a more limited set of financing sources : they typically do not issue bonds , have only limited access to stock exchanges or large institutional investors . the challenge in accessing finance is even greater for those smes whose activities focus on intangible assets . smes in the union rely heavily on banks and debt financing in the form of bank overdrafts , bank loans or leasing . supporting smes that face the above challenges and providing more diversified sources of funding is necessary for increasing the ability of smes to finance their creation , growth and development , withstand economic downturns , and for making the economy and the financial system more resilient during economic downturn or shocks . this is also complementary to the initiatives already undertaken in the context of the capital markets union . the investeu fund should provide an opportunity to focus on specific , more targeted financial products . ### small and medium - sized enterprises , in particular those in the cultural and creative sector , play a crucial role in the union . however , they face challenges when accessing finance because of their perceived high risk and lack of sufficient collateral . additional challenges arise from smes ' need to stay competitive by engaging in digitisation , internationalisation and innovation activities and skilling up their workforce . moreover , compared to larger enterprises , they have access to a more limited set of financing sources : they typically do not issue bonds , have only limited access to stock exchanges or large institutional investors . the challenge in accessing finance is even greater for those smes whose activities focus on intangible assets . smes in the union rely heavily on banks and debt financing in the form of bank overdrafts , bank loans or leasing . supporting smes that face the above challenges and providing more diversified sources of funding is necessary for increasing the ability of smes to finance their creation , growth and development , withstand economic downturns , and for making the economy and the financial system more resilient during economic downturn or shocks . this is also complementary to the initiatives already undertaken in the context of the capital markets union . the investeu fund should provide an opportunity to focus on specific , more targeted financial products .


### as set out in the reflection paper on the social dimension of europe16and the european pillar of social rights17 , building a more inclusive and fairer union is a key priority for the union to tackle inequality and foster social inclusion policies in europe . inequality of opportunities affects in particular access to education , training and health . investment in the social , skills and human capital - related economy , as well as in the integration of vulnerable populations in the society , can enhance economic opportunities , especially if coordinated at union level . the investeu fund should be used to support investment in education and training , help increase employment , in particular among the unskilled and long - term unemployed , and improve the situation with regard to intergenerational solidarity , the health sector , homelessness , digital inclusiveness , community development , the role and place of young people in society as well as vulnerable people , including third country nationals . the investeu programme should also contribute to the support of european culture and creativity . to counter the profound transformations of societies in the union and of the labour market in the coming decade , it is necessary to invest in human capital , microfinance , social enterprise finance and new social economy business models , including social impact investment and social outcomes contracting . the investeu programme should strengthen nascent social market eco - system , increasing the supply of and access to finance to micro - and social enterprises , to meet the demand of those who need it the most . the report of the high - level task - force on investing in social infrastructure in europe18has identified investment gaps in social infrastructure and services , including for education , training , health and housing , which call for support , including at the union level . therefore , the collective power of public , commercial and philanthropic capital , as well as support from foundations , should be harnessed to support the social market value chain development and a more resilient union . _________________ 16 com 206 . 17 com 250 . 18 published as european economy discussion paper 074 in january 2018 . ### as set out in the reflection paper on the social dimension of europe16 and the european pillar of social rights17 , building a more inclusive and fairer union is a key priority for the union to tackle inequality and foster social inclusion policies in europe . inequality of opportunities affects in particular access to education , training , health , culture and cultural heritage . investment in the social , skills and human capital - related economy , as well as in the integration of vulnerable populations , and in particular persons with a disability , in society , can enhance economic opportunities , especially if coordinated at union level . the investeu fund should be used to support investment in education and training , help increase employment , in particular among the unskilled and long - term unemployed , and improve the situation with regard to intergenerational solidarity , the health sector , homelessness , digital inclusiveness , community development , the role and place of young people in society as well as vulnerable people , including persons with a disability and third country nationals . the investeu programme should also contribute to the support of european culture and creativity . to counter the profound transformations of societies in the union and of the labour market in the coming decade , it is necessary to invest in human capital , microfinance , social enterprise finance and new social economy business models , including social impact investment and social outcomes contracting . the investeu programme should strengthen the nascent social market eco - system , increasing the supply of and access to finance to micro - and social enterprises , to meet the demand of those who need it the most . the report of the high - level task - force on investing in social infrastructure in europe18 has identified investment gaps in social infrastructure and services , including for education , training , health and housing , which call for support , including at the union level . therefore , the collective power of public , commercial and philanthropic capital , as well as support from foundations , should be harnessed to support the social market value chain development and a more resilient union . _________________ 16 com 206 final . 17 com 250 final . 18 published as european economy discussion paper 074 in january 2018


### to increase the access to and the availability of finance for smes and , in duly justified cases , for small mid - cap companies ; ### to increase the access to and the availability of finance for smes and , in duly justified cases , for small mid - cap companies , in particular in the cultural and creative sector ;


### social investment and skills policy window : comprises microfinance , social enterprise finance and social economy ; skills , education , training and related services ; social infrastructure ; social innovation ; health and long - term care ; inclusion and accessibility ; cultural activities with a social goal ; integration of vulnerable people , including third country nationals . ### social and cultural investment and skills policy window : comprises microfinance , social enterprise finance , social economy and the not - for - profit sector ; skills , education , training and related services ; social infrastructure ; social innovation ; health and long - term care ; inclusion and accessibility ; cultural activities with a social goal ; integration of vulnerable people , including third country nationals .


### implementing partners shall target that at least 50 % of the investment under the sustainable infrastructure policy window contribute to meeting the union objectives on climate and environment . ### implementing partners shall target that at least 10 % of the investment under the sme policy window contributes to meeting the union objectives on culture and cultural heritage , in synergy with the provisions laid down in the regulation establishing the creative europe programme .


### the composition of the investment committee shall ensure that it has a wide knowledge of the sectors covered by the policy windows referred to in article 7 and of the geographic markets in the union and that it is gender - balanced as a whole . ### the composition of the investment committee shall ensure that it has a wide knowledge of the sectors covered by the policy windows referred to in article 7 and of the geographic markets in the union and that it is gender - balanced as a whole . owing to the specificity of the financing and investment operations in the sectors referred to in point 8 of annex ii to this programme , and the associated risk , the presence of an expert with experience in investment in the cultural , creative and audiovisual sectors shall be ensured for each policy window . the vote of said expert shall be taken into account in the tasks assigned to the investment committees referred to in paragraph 1 .


### supporting actions for capacity building to develop organisational capacities , skills and processes and accelerate investment readiness of organisations in order for promoters and authorities to build investment project pipelines and to manage projects and for financial intermediaries to implement financing and investment operations for the benefit of entities that face difficulties in obtaining access to finance , including through support to develop risk assessment capacity or sector specific knowledge . ### supporting actions for capacity building to develop organisational capacities , skills and processes and accelerate investment readiness of organisations in order for promoters and authorities to build investment project pipelines and to manage projects and for financial intermediaries to implement financing and investment operations for the benefit of entities that face difficulties in obtaining access to finance , including through support to develop risk assessment capacity or sector specific knowledge , in particular in regard to the cultural and creative sector .


### the efsi , implemented and co - sponsored by the eib group , is firmly on track to deliver the objective of mobilising at least eur 315 billion in additional investments in the real economy by mid - 2018 . the market absorption has been particularly quick under the sme window where the efsi is delivering well beyond expectations . in july 2016 the sme window was thus scaled - up by eur 500 million within the existing parameters of regulation no 2015 / 1017 . a larger share of financing to be geared towards smes given the exceptional market demand for sme financing under the efsi : 40% of the increased risk bearing capacity of the efsi should be geared towards increasing access to financing for smes . ### the impact of the efsi on addressing the investment gaps , the high levels of unemployment and the low post - financial - crisis growth rates in the union has yet to be fully assessed . the efsi is expected to mobilise the targeted eur 315 billion in additional investments by mid - 2018 . it is already clear , however , that market absorption has been quicker under the sme window , where the efsi is delivering well beyond expectations , than under the infrastructure and innovation window . in july 2016 the sme window was thus scaled - up by eur 500 million within the existing parameters of regulation no 2015 / 1017 . a larger share of financing to be geared towards smes given the exceptional market demand for sme financing under the efsi : 40% of the increased risk bearing capacity of the efsi should be geared towards increasing access to financing for smes .


### on 28 june 2016 , the european council concluded that ' the investment plan for europe , in particular the european fund for strategic investments , has already delivered concrete results and is a major step to help mobilise private investment while making smart use of scarce budgetary resources . the commission intends to soon put forward proposals on the future of the efsi , which should be examined as a matter of urgency by the european parliament and the council . ' ### on 28 june 2016 , the european council concluded that the investment plan for europe , in particular the european fund for strategic investments , has already delivered concrete and considerable results . however , inefficiencies and imbalances in terms of geographic and sectorial diversification remain . taking into consideration those imbalances , as well as existing financial frictions , structural impediments , regulatory frameworks and the low - risk appetite of investors , the commission should undertake ambitious initiatives to help mobilise private investment and proceed with the introduction of the necessary regulatory transformations in order to allow financial institutions to take more infrastructure projects into their portfolios , including further financing of smes , while making smart use of scarce budgetary resources .


### the extended efsi should address remaining market failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for europe’s future job creation – including for the youth – , growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality . they include investments in the areas of energy , environment and climate action , social and human capital and related infrastructure , healthcare , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport , as well as the digital transformation . in particular , the contribution of operations supported by the efsi to achieving the union ' s ambitious targets set at the paris climate conference should be reinforced . energy interconnection priority projects and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted . in addition , efsi support to motorways should be avoided , unless it is needed to support private investment in transport in cohesion countries or in cross - border transport projects involving at least one cohesion country . for reasons of clarity , although they are already eligible , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , fishery and aquaculture come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support . ### the extended efsi should address remaining market failures and sub - optimal investment situations and continue to mobilise private sector financing in investments crucial for europe ' s future sustainable quality and high levels of human capital , creation of good quality jobs –especially for the youth – , growth and competitiveness with strengthened additionality , as well as for increasing social cohesion , social inclusion and thus enhancing the well - being of citizens of the union . they include investments in the areas of energy , environment and climate action , social and human capital and related infrastructure , healthcare , research and innovation , cross - border and sustainable transport , as well as the digital transformation . in particular , the contribution of operations supported by the efsi to achieving the union ' s ambitious targets set at the paris climate conference must be reinforced . energy interconnection priority projects and energy efficiency projects should also be increasingly targeted . similarly , in the digital sector , and within the scope of the ambitious union policy on the digital economy , new digital infrastructure targets should be set in order to ensure that the union will be a global pioneer in the new age of the so - called ‘ internet of things’ , blockchain technology and cyber - and network - security . moreover , a criterion for the success of the efsi should be the assistance provided to policy areas that suffered from cuts in investments in order to fund the efsi , such as research grants , especially for low technology readiness levels . in addition , efsi support to motorways should be avoided , unless it is needed to support private investment in transport in cohesion countries or in cross - border transport projects involving at least one cohesion country . for reasons of clarity , although they are already eligible , it should be explicitly laid down that projects in the fields of agriculture , fishery and aquaculture come within the general objectives eligible for efsi support . efsi support to fossil fuel projects is to be avoided .


### additionality , a key feature of the efsi , should be strengthened in the selection of projects . in particular , operations should only be eligible for efsi support if they address clearly identified market failures or sub - optimal investment situations . operations in infrastructure under the infrastructure and innovation window linking two or more member states , including e - infrastructure , should be considered additional given their inherent difficulty and their high added value for the union . ### additionality , a key feature of the efsi , should be systematically assessed and documented in the selection of each project . in particular , operations should only be eligible for efsi support if they address clearly identified market failures or sub - optimal investment situations . operations in infrastructure under the infrastructure and innovation window linking two or more member states , especially if at least one member state is a cohesion country , including e - infrastructure , should be considered additional given their inherent difficulty and their high added value for the union .


### on the basis of the experience acquired with the investments supported by the efsi , the target amount of the guarantee fund should be brought to 35 % of the total eu guarantee obligations ensuring an adequate level of protection . ### on the basis of the experience acquired with the investments supported by the efsi , the target amount of the guarantee fund should be brought to 32 % of the total eu guarantee obligations ensuring an adequate level of protection .


### the eib and the eif should ensure that the final beneficiaries , including smes , are informed of the existence of efsi support , so as to enhance the visibility of the eu guarantee granted under regulation 2015 / 1017 . ### the eib and the eif should ensure that the final beneficiaries , including smes , are informed of the existence of efsi support , so as to enhance the visibility of the eu guarantee granted under regulation 2015 / 1017 . the efsi logo should be prominently placed in the financing agreement , particularly in the case of smes , so as to increase the visibility of the efsi as a union initiative .


### the eib and the eif should ensure that the final beneficiaries , including smes , are informed of the existence of efsi support , so as to enhance the visibility of the eu guarantee granted under regulation 2015 / 1017 . ### the eib and the eif should ensure that the final beneficiaries , including start - ups and smes , are informed of the existence of efsi support , so as to enhance the visibility of the eu guarantee granted under regulation 2015 / 1017 .


### the european investment advisory hub should be enhanced and its activities should focus on needs not covered adequately under current arrangements . it should pay particular attention to supporting the preparation of projects involving two or more member states and projects that contribute to achieving the objectives of cop21 . notwithstanding its objective to build upon existing advisory services of the eib and the commission , so to act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing within the union , the eiah should also contribute actively to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi and support the eib where needed in originating projects . it should also actively contribute to the establishment of investment platforms and provide advice on the combination of other sources of union funding with the efsi . ### the european investment advisory hub should be enhanced and its activities should focus on needs not covered adequately under current arrangements . it should pay particular attention to supporting the preparation of projects involving two or more member states and projects that contribute to achieving the objectives of cop21 . notwithstanding its objective to build upon existing advisory services of the eib and the commission , so to act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing within the union , the eiah should also contribute actively to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi and support the eib where needed in originating projects by strengthening its local presence in countries with limited capacity but with high investment potential . it should also actively collaborate with established national promotional banks , work with the commission in order to facilitate member states in the establishment of npbs , contribute to the establishment of sectoral or regional investment platforms and provide advice on the combination of other sources of union funding with the efsi .


### regulation no 1316 / 2013 and regulation no 2015 / 1017 should therefore be amended accordingly , ### regulation no 2015 / 1017 should therefore be amended accordingly ,


### ' information and communication technologies infrastructures ; ### point is replaced by the following : ' information , cyber security , networks , block chain and communications technologies infrastructures ; ’


### ' education and training ; ### point is replaced by the following : ' human capital development , education and training ; '


### ‘ smes ; ’ ### point is replaced by the following : ' startups and smes ; '


### endowments to the guarantee fund referred to under paragraph 2 shall be used to reach an appropriate level to reflect the total eu guarantee obligations . the target amount shall be set at 35 % of the total eu guarantee obligations . ; ### endowments to the guarantee fund referred to under paragraph 2 shall be used to reach an appropriate level to reflect the total eu guarantee obligations . the target amount shall be set at 32 % of the total eu guarantee obligations . ;


### it shall also support the preparation of climate action and circular economy projects or components thereof , in particular in the context of cop21 , the preparation of projects in the digital sector , as well as the preparation of projects referred to in the fifth subparagraph of article 5 . ; ### it shall also support the preparation of climate action and circular economy projects or components thereof , in particular in the context of cop21 , the preparation of ambitious projects in the digital and telecommunications sectors , as well as the preparation of projects referred to in the fifth subparagraph of article 5 ;


### leveraging local knowledge to facilitate efsi support across the union and contributing where possible to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi referred to in section 8 of annex ii by supporting the eib to originate operations ; ### leveraging local and regional knowledge to facilitate efsi support across the union and contributing where possible to the objective of sectorial and geographical diversification of the efsi referred to in section 8 of annex ii by supporting the eib as well as the project promoters to originate operations ;


### “7 . the union shall contribute up to a maximum of eur 20 000 000 per annum towards covering the costs of eiah operations until 31 december 2020 for the services provided by the eiah under paragraph 2 which are in addition to those already available under other union programmes , insofar as those costs are not covered by the remaining amount from fees referred to in paragraph 4 . ” ### paragraph 7 is replaced by the following : 7 . the union shall contribute the amount necessary , with a minimum of eur 20 000 000 per annum towards covering the costs of eiah operations until 31 december 2020 for it to fulfil its enhanced responsibilities and intensify the services provided by the eiah under paragraph 2 which are in addition to those already available under other union programmes , insofar as those costs are not covered by the remaining amount from fees referred to in paragraph 4” .


### the eib and eif shall inform or shall oblige financial intermediaries to inform the final beneficiaries , including smes , of the existence of efsi support . ; ### ' the eib and eif shall inform or shall oblige financial intermediaries to inform the final beneficiaries of the existence of efsi support and to place the efsi logo in a prominent place on the financing agreement , particularly in the case of smes , on every contract that includes efsi support , thereby increasing public awareness and expanding visibility ' ;


### telecommunications sector : eur 1 091 602 000 ; ### telecommunications sector : eur 1 141 602 000 ;


### energy sector : eur 5 005 075 000 . ### energy sector : eur 5 350 075 000 .


### this regulation should be reviewed as of 2024 and every 5 years thereafter in order to assess its overall functioning . the review should take into account evolving national circumstances and be informed by the results of the global stocktake of the paris agreement . ### this regulation should be reviewed as of 2024 and every 5 years thereafter in order to assess its overall functioning with the aim of strengthening its scope and ambition . the review should take into account evolving national circumstances and be informed by the results of the global stocktake of the paris agreement .


### the commission shall adopt an implementing act setting out the annual emission allocations for the years from 2021 to 2030 in terms of tonnes of co2 equivalent as specified in paragraphs 1 and 2 . for the purposes of this implementing act , the commission shall carry out a comprehensive review of the most recent national inventory data for the years 2005 and 2016 to 2018 submitted by member states pursuant to article 7 of regulation no 525 / 2013 . ### the commission shall adopt a delegated act in accordance with article 12 to supplement this regulation by setting out the annual emission allocations for the years from 2021 to 2030 in terms of tonnes of co2 equivalent as specified in paragraphs 1 and 2 . for the purposes of this delegated act , the commission shall carry out a comprehensive review of the most recent national inventory data for the years 2005 and 2016 to 2018 submitted by member states pursuant to article 7 of regulation no 525 / 2013 .


### member states that may have a limited cancellation of up to a maximum of 100 million eu ets allowances as defined in article 3 of directive 2003 / 87 / ec collectively taken into account for their compliance under this regulation are listed in annex ii to this regulation . ### member states that may have , without adverse effects on the environmental integrity of the eu - wide emission reduction system , a limited cancellation of up to a maximum of 100 million eu ets allowances as defined in article 3 of directive 2003 / 87 / ec collectively taken into account for their compliance under this regulation are listed in annex ii to this regulation .


### the commission shall ensure the accurate accounting under this regulation through the union registry established pursuant to article 10 of regulation no 525 / 2013 , including annual emission allocations , flexibilities exercised under article 4 to 7 , compliance under article 9 and changes in coverage under article 10 of this regulation . the central administrator shall conduct an automated check on each transaction under this regulation and , where necessary , block transactions to ensure there are no irregularities . this information shall be accessible to the public . ### the commission shall ensure the accurate accounting under this regulation through the union registry established pursuant to article 10 of regulation no 525 / 2013 . the commission shall , for that purpose , adopt a delegated act in accordance with article 12 to supplement this regulation , concerning in particular annual emission allocations , flexibilities exercised under article 4 to 7 , compliance under article 9 and changes in coverage under article 10 of this regulation . the central administrator shall conduct an automated check on each transaction under this regulation and , where necessary , block transactions to ensure there are no irregularities . this information shall be accessible to the public .


### the commission shall report to the european parliament and to the council by 28 february 2024 and every five years thereafter on the operation of this regulation , its contribution to the eu ' s overall 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction target and its contribution to the goals of the paris agreement , and may make proposals if appropriate . ### the commission shall report to the european parliament and to the council by 28 february 2024 and every five years thereafter on the operation of this regulation , its contribution to the eu’s overall 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction target and its contribution to the goals of the paris agreement , and may make legislative proposals if appropriate .


### on 17 november 2017 , the european pillar of social rights was jointly proclaimed by the european parliament , the council and the commission as a response to social challenges in europe . the twenty key principles of the pillar are structured around three categories : equal opportunities and access to the labour market ; fair working conditions ; social protection and inclusion . the twenty principles of the european pillar of social rights should guide the actions under the european social fund plus . in order to contribute to the implementation of the european pillar of social rights the esf + should support investments in people and systems in the policy areas of employment , education and social inclusion , thereby supporting economic , territorial and social cohesion in accordance with article 174 tfeu . ### on 17 november 2017 , the european pillar of social rights was jointly proclaimed by the european parliament , the council and the commission as a response to social challenges in europe . the twenty key principles of the pillar are structured around three categories : equal opportunities and access to the labour market ; fair working conditions ; social protection and inclusion . the twenty principles of the european pillar of social rights should guide the actions under the european social fund plus . in order to contribute to the implementation of the european pillar of social rights the esf + should support investments in people and systems in the policy areas of employment , public services , education and social inclusion , thereby supporting economic , territorial and social cohesion in accordance with article 174 tfeu .


### on 17 november 2017 , the european pillar of social rights was jointly proclaimed by the european parliament , the council and the commission as a response to social challenges in europe . the twenty key principles of the pillar are structured around three categories : equal opportunities and access to the labour market ; fair working conditions ; social protection and inclusion . the twenty principles of the european pillar of social rights should guide the actions under the european social fund plus . in order to contribute to the implementation of the european pillar of social rights the esf + should support investments in people and systems in the policy areas of employment , education and social inclusion , thereby supporting economic , territorial and social cohesion in accordance with article 174 tfeu . ### on 17 november 2017 , the european pillar of social rights was jointly proclaimed by the european parliament , the council and the commission as a response to social challenges in europe . the twenty key principles of the pillar are structured around three categories : equal opportunities and access to the labour market ; fair working conditions ; social protection and inclusion . the twenty principles of the european pillar of social rights should guide the actions under the european social fund plus . in order to contribute to the implementation of the european pillar of social rights the esf + should support investments in people and systems in the policy areas of employment , education , health , &#160 ; and social inclusion , thereby supporting economic , territorial and social cohesion in accordance with article 174 tfeu .


### the council of [ … ] adopted revised guidelines for the employment policies of the member states to align the text with the principles of the european pillar of social rights , with a view to improving europe ' s competitiveness and making it a better place to invest , create jobs and foster social cohesion . in order to ensure the full alignment of the esf + with the objectives of these guidelines , particularly as regards employment , education , training and the fight against social exclusion , poverty and discrimination , the esf + should support member states , taking account of the relevant integrated guidelines and relevant country - specific recommendations adopted in accordance with article 121 tfeu and article 148 tfeu and , where appropriate , at national level , the national reform programmes underpinned by national strategies . the esf + should also contribute to relevant aspects of the implementation of key union initiatives and activities , in particular the ' skills agenda for europe ' and the european education area , relevant council recommendations and other initiatives such as the youth guarantee , upskilling pathways and on integration of the long - term unemployed . ### the council of [ … ] adopted revised guidelines for the employment policies of the member states to align the text with the principles of the european pillar of social rights , with a view to improving europe ' s competitiveness and making it a better place to invest , create jobs and foster social cohesion . in order to ensure the full alignment of the esf + with the objectives of these guidelines , particularly as regards employment , improved public services in the health and other sectors , education , training and the fight against social exclusion , poverty and discrimination , the esf + should support member states , taking account of the relevant integrated guidelines and relevant country - specific recommendations adopted in accordance with article 121 tfeu and article 148 tfeu and , where appropriate , at national level , the national reform programmes underpinned by national strategies . the esf + should also contribute to relevant aspects of the implementation of key union initiatives and activities , in particular the “skills agenda for europe” and the european education area , relevant council recommendations and other initiatives such as the youth guarantee , upskilling pathways and on integration of the long - term unemployed .


### the types of financing and the methods of implementation under this regulation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results , taking into account , in particular , the costs of controls , the administrative burden , and the expected risk of non - compliance . for grants , this should include consideration of the use of lump sums , flat rates and unit costs , as well as financing not linked to costs as envisaged in article 125 of the financial regulation . to implement measures linked to the socio - economic integration of third country nationals , and in accordance with article 88 of the common provisions regulation , the commission may reimburse member states using simplified cost options including the use of lump sums . ### the types of financing and the methods of implementation under this regulation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results , taking into account , in particular , the costs of controls , the administrative burden , and the expected risk of non - compliance . for grants , this should include consideration of the use of lump sums , flat rates and unit costs , as well as financing not linked to costs as envisaged in article 125 of the financial regulation . to implement measures linked to the socio - economic inclusion of third country nationals , and in accordance with article 88 of the common provisions regulation , the commission may reimburse member states using simplified cost options including the use of lump sums .


### the esf + should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , the long - term unemployed and the inactive , as well as through promoting self–employment and the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment and to enhance workers’ mobility . the esf + should promote women ' s participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance and access to childcare . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce . ### the esf + should aim to promote high - quality employment through active interventions enabling integration into the labour market , notably for youth , persons with disabilities and people with chronic diseases , the long - term unemployed and the economically inactive , as well as those facing multiple forms of discrimination through promoting self–employment and the social economy . the esf + should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the public employment services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment and to enhance workers’ mobility . the esf + should promote women’s participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure , amongst others , improved work / life balance and access to childcare . the esf + should also aim to provide a healthy and well - adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce .


### the esf + should provide support to improving the quality , effectiveness and labour market relevance of education and training systems in order to facilitate the acquisition of key competences notably as regards digital skills which all individuals need for personal fulfilment and development , employment , social inclusion and active citizenship . the esf + should help progression within education and training and transition to work , support lifelong learning and employability , and contribute to competitiveness and societal and economic innovation by supporting scalable and sustainable initiatives in these fields . this could be achieved for example through work - based learning and apprenticeships , lifelong guidance , skills anticipation in cooperation with industry , up - to - date training materials , forecasting and graduate tracking , training of educators , validation of learning outcomes and recognition of qualifications . ### the esf + should provide support to improving the quality , effectiveness and labour market relevance of education and training systems in order to facilitate the acquisition of key competences notably as regards digital skills which all individuals need for personal fulfilment and development , employment , social inclusion and active citizenship . the esf + should help progression within education and training and transition to work , support lifelong learning and employability , and contribute to competitiveness and societal and economic innovation by supporting scalable and sustainable initiatives in these fields . this could be achieved for example through work - based learning and apprenticeships , lifelong guidance , skills anticipation in cooperation with industry , up - to - date training materials , forecasting and graduate tracking , training of educators , regular and ongoing validation of learning outcomes and recognition of qualifications .


### synergies with the horizon europe programme should ensure that the esf + can mainstream and scale up innovative curricula supported by horizon europe in order to equip people with the skills and competences needed for the jobs of the future . ### synergies with the horizon europe programme should ensure that the esf + can mainstream and scale up innovative curricula supported by horizon europe in order to equip people with the skills and competences needed for their personal and professional development and for the jobs of the future . the commission should ensure synergies between the health strand and the horizon europe programme in order to boost the results achieved in the area of health protection and diseases prevention .


### keeping people healthy and active longer and empowering them to take an active role in managing their health will have positive effects on health , health inequalities , quality of life , productivity , competitiveness and inclusiveness , while reducing pressures on national budgets . the commission has been committed to help member states to reach their sustainable development goals , in particular sdg 3 ' ensure healthy lives and promote well - being for all at all ages ' . 17 _________________ 17 com 739 final ### keeping all people healthy and active in a non - discriminatory way and empowering them to take an active role in managing their health will have positive effects on health , health inequalities , quality of life , productivity , competitiveness and inclusiveness , while reducing pressures on national budgets . the commission has been committed to help member states to reach their sustainable development goals , in particular sdg 3 ' ensure healthy lives and promote well - being for all at all ages ' . 17 _________________ 17 com 739 final


### the health strand of the esf + should contribute to disease prevention throughout the lifetime of the union ' s citizens and to health promotion by addressing health risk factors such as tobacco use and passive smoking , harmful use of alcohol , consumption of illicit drugs and reduction of drugs - related health damage , unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity and foster supportive environments for healthy lifestyles in order to complement member states action in line with the relevant strategies . the health strand of the esf + should mainstream effective prevention models , innovative technologies and new business models and solutions to contribute to innovative , efficient and sustainable health systems of the member states and facilitate access to better and safer healthcare for european citizens . ### the health strand of the esf + should contribute to disease prevention throughout the lifetime of the union ' s citizens and to health promotion by addressing health risk factors such as tobacco use and passive smoking , harmful use of alcohol , consumption of illicit drugs and reduction of drugs - related health damage , unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity and foster supportive environments for healthy lifestyles in order to complement member states action in line with the relevant strategies . in this context , special attention should be given to health education as it helps individuals and communities improve their health , increase their knowledge and influence their attitudes . the health strand of the esf + should mainstream effective prevention models , innovative technologies and new business models and solutions to contribute to innovative , efficient and sustainable health systems of the member states and facilitate access to better and safer healthcare for european citizens .


### the health strand of the esf + should contribute to disease prevention throughout the lifetime of the union ' s citizens and to health promotion by addressing health risk factors such as tobacco use and passive smoking , harmful use of alcohol , consumption of illicit drugs and reduction of drugs - related health damage , unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity and foster supportive environments for healthy lifestyles in order to complement member states action in line with the relevant strategies . the health strand of the esf + should mainstream effective prevention models , innovative technologies and new business models and solutions to contribute to innovative , efficient and sustainable health systems of the member states and facilitate access to better and safer healthcare for european citizens . ### the health strand of the esf + should contribute to disease prevention throughout the lifetime of the people living in the union and to health promotion by addressing health risk factors such as tobacco use and passive smoking , harmful use of alcohol , consumption of illicit drugs and reduction of drugs - related health damage , unhealthy dietary habits , particularly due to poverty , and physical inactivity and foster supportive environments for healthy lifestyles in order to complement member states action in line with the relevant strategies . the health strand of the esf + should mainstream effective prevention models reaching out to all , innovative technologies and new business models and solutions to contribute to innovative , efficient , accessible and sustainable health systems of the member states and facilitate access to better and safer healthcare for people living in the union .


### in order to amend certain non - essential elements of this regulation , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of amending and supplementing the annexes on the indictors . it is of particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level , and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement on better law - making of 13 april 2016 . in particular , to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the european parliament and the council receive all documents at the same time as member states ' experts , and their experts systematically have access to meetings of commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts . ### in order to amend certain non - essential elements of this regulation , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of amending and supplementing the annexes on the indictors . it is of particular importance that the commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including relevant experts and professional regulatory authorities and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement on better law - making of 13 april 2016 . in particular , to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the european parliament and the council receive all documents at the same time as member states ' experts , and their experts systematically have access to meetings of commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts .


### the esf + shall support , complement and add value to the policies of the member states to ensure equal opportunities , access to the labour market , fair working conditions , social protection and inclusion , and a high level of human health protection . ### the esf + shall support , complement and add value to the policies of the member states to ensure equal opportunities , access to the labour market , fair working conditions , social protection , poverty eradication , social inclusion and a high level of human health protection .


### a smarter europe through the development of skills for smart specialisation , skills for key enabling technologies , industrial transition , sectorial cooperation on skills and entrepreneurship , the training of researchers , networking activities and partnerships between higher education institutions , vocational and educational training institutions , research and technological centres and enterprises and clusters , support to micro , small and medium sized enterprises and the social economy ; ### a smarter europe through the development of skills for smart specialisation , skills for key enabling technologies , industrial transition , sectorial cooperation on skills and entrepreneurship , the training of researchers , networking activities and partnerships between higher education institutions , vocational and educational training institutions , research and technological centres , medical and healthcare centres , enterprises and clusters , support to micro , small and medium sized enterprises and the social economy ;


### under the health strand , the esf + shall support health promotion and disease prevention , contribute to effectiveness , accessibility and resilience of health systems , make healthcare safer , reduce health inequalities , protect citizens from cross - border health threats , and support eu health legislation . ### under the health strand , the esf + shall support health promotion and disease prevention , including through the promotion of health education , contribute to effectiveness , accessibility and resilience of health systems , make healthcare safer , reduce health inequalities , protect citizens from address cross - border health threats , and support eu health legislation . eu’s health policy should be guided by sustainable development goals to ensure that the eu and member states reach the targets of sdg 3 ' ensure healthy lives and promote well - being for all at all ages” .


### strengthen crisis - preparedness , management and response in the union to protect citizens against cross - border health threats . ### strengthen crisis - preparedness , management and response in the union to address cross - border health threats


### the commission shall consult the health authorities of the member states in the steering group on health promotion , disease prevention and management of non - communicable diseases or in other relevant commission expert group or similar entities on the work plans established for the health strand and its priorities and strategic orientations and its implementation , and also on the health policy perspective of other policies and support mechanisms , thus increasing their overall coordination and added value . ### the commission shall consult the health authorities of the member states in the steering group on health promotion , disease prevention and management of non - communicable diseases or in other relevant commission expert group or similar entities on the work plans established for the health strand and its priorities and strategic orientations and its implementation , and also on the health policy perspective of other policies and support mechanisms , thus increasing their overall coordination and added value . strong political leadership and adequate governance structure dedicated to health will ensure that health protection and promotion is guaranteed across all commission portfolios , according to article 168 of tfeu .


### persons who are blind , visually impaired or otherwise print disabled continue to face many barriers in accessing books and other print material which are protected by copyright and related rights . measures need to be taken to increase the availability of those works in accessible formats and to improve their circulation in the internal market . ### persons who are blind , visually impaired or otherwise print disabled , including those with physical disabilities unable to hold or manipulate a book , continue to face many barriers in accessing books and other print material which are protected by copyright and related rights . measures need to be taken to increase the availability of those works in accessible formats and to improve their circulation in the internal market .


### this directive is designed for the benefit persons who are blind , have a visual impairment which cannot be improved so as to give those persons visual function substantially equivalent to that of a person who has no such impairment , or have a perceptual or reading disability , including dyslexia , preventing them from reading printed works to substantially the same degree as persons without such disability , or are unable to hold or manipulate a book or to focus or move the eyes to the extent that would be normally acceptable for reading due to a physical disability . the objective of the measures introduced by this directive is to improve the availability of books , journals , newspapers , magazines and other writings , sheet music and other print material , including in audio form , whether digital or analogue , in formats that make those works and other subject - matter accessible to those persons to substantially the same degree as to persons without an impairment or disability . accessible formats include braille , large print , adapted e - books , audio books and radio broadcasts . ### this directive is designed for the benefit persons who are blind , have a visual impairment which cannot be improved so as to give those persons visual function substantially equivalent to that of a person who has no such impairment , or have a perceptual or reading disability , including dyslexia , preventing them from reading printed works to substantially the same degree as persons without such disability , or are unable to hold or manipulate a book or to focus or move the eyes to the extent that would be normally acceptable for reading due to a physical disability . the objective of the measures introduced by this directive is to improve the availability of books , including e - books , journals , newspapers , magazines and other writings , sheet music and other print material , including in audio form , whether digital or analogue , online or offline , in formats that make those works and other subject - matter accessible to those persons to substantially the same degree as to persons without an impairment or disability . accessible formats include braille , large print , adapted e - books , audio books and radio broadcasts .


### this directive is designed for the benefit persons who are blind , have a visual impairment which cannot be improved so as to give those persons visual function substantially equivalent to that of a person who has no such impairment , or have a perceptual or reading disability , including dyslexia , preventing them from reading printed works to substantially the same degree as persons without such disability , or are unable to hold or manipulate a book or to focus or move the eyes to the extent that would be normally acceptable for reading due to a physical disability . the objective of the measures introduced by this directive is to improve the availability of books , journals , newspapers , magazines and other writings , sheet music and other print material , including in audio form , whether digital or analogue , in formats that make those works and other subject - matter accessible to those persons to substantially the same degree as to persons without an impairment or disability . accessible formats include braille , large print , adapted e - books , audio books and radio broadcasts . ### this directive is designed for the benefit of persons who are blind , have a visual impairment which cannot be improved so as to give those persons visual function substantially equivalent to that of a person who has no such impairment , or have a perceptual or reading disability , including dyslexia , preventing them from reading printed works to substantially the same degree as persons without such disability , or are unable to hold or manipulate a book or to focus or move the eyes to the extent that would be normally acceptable for reading due to a physical impairment . the objective of the measures introduced by this directive is to improve the availability of books , journals , newspapers , magazines and other writings , sheet music and other print material , including in audio form , whether digital or analogue , in formats that make those works and other subject - matter accessible to those persons to substantially the same degree as to persons who are not blind , visually impaired or otherwise print disabled , without compromising the quality of the content . accessible formats include braille , large print , e - books , audio books and radio broadcasts , but are not limited to them .


### this directive should therefore provide for mandatory exceptions to the rights that are harmonised by union law and are relevant for the uses and works covered by the marrakesh treaty . these include in particular the rights of reproduction , communication to the public , making available , distribution and lending , as provided for in directive 2001 / 29 / ec , directive 2006 / 115 / ec , and directive 2009 / 24 / ec , as well as the corresponding rights in directive 96 / 9 / ec . as the scope of exceptions and limitations required by the marrakesh treaty also includes works in audio form , like audiobooks , it is necessary that these exceptions also apply to related rights . ### this directive therefore provides for mandatory exceptions to the rights that are harmonised by union law and are relevant for the uses and works covered by the marrakesh treaty . these include in particular the rights of reproduction , communication to the public , making available , distribution and lending , as provided for in directive 2001 / 29 / ec , directive 2006 / 115 / ec , and directive 2009 / 24 / ec , as well as the corresponding rights in directive 96 / 9 / ec . as the scope of exceptions and limitations required by the marrakesh treaty also includes works in audio form , like adapted audiobooks , it is necessary that these exceptions also apply to related rights . the exercise of the exceptions provided for by the present directive is without prejudice to other exceptions for persons with disabilities provided for by the member states , such as private use .


### the mandatory exception should also limit the right of reproduction so as to allow for any act that is necessary in order to make changes to or convert or adapt a work or other subject - matter in such a way as to produce an accessible format copy . this includes providing the necessary means to navigate information in an accessible format copy . ### it is also necessary for the mandatory exception to limit the right of reproduction so as to allow for any act that is necessary in order to make changes to or convert or adapt a work or other subject - matter in such a way as to produce an accessible format copy . this includes providing the necessary means to navigate information in an accessible format copy , and also the acts that are necessary to adapt existing publications that are already accessible for certain categories of beneficiary persons to the needs of other beneficiary persons who require alternative formats to properly access the work . lending of the work to beneficiary persons should be granted .