### to support effort at strengthening the capabilities in relation to combatting and preventing crime including terrorism in particular through increased cooperation between public authorities , civil society and private partners across the member states . ### to support the necessary strengthening of the capabilities in relation to combatting and preventing crime , including terrorism , violent extremism , including radicalisation , in particular through increased cooperation between public authorities and the civil society , within and across the member states .


### following the adopting of the financing decision as referred to in paragraph 3 , the commission may amend the programmes implemented under shared management accordingly . ### following the adoption of the work programme as referred to in paragraph 5 , the commission may amend the programmes implemented under shared management accordingly .


### union priorities and acquis in the area of security in particular information exchange and interoperability of it systems ; ### union priorities and acquis in the area of security in particular the relevant exchange of accurate information and the implementation of interoperability components of european union information systems ;


### to increase the exchange of information among and within the union law enforcement and other competent authorities and other relevant union bodies as well as with third countries and international organisations ; ### to improve the exchange of relevant and accurate information among and within the union law enforcement and other competent authorities and other relevant union bodies and , where relevant , international organisations , therefore also enforcing the union data protection acquis , as enshrined in directive 2016 / 680 , regulation 2016 / 794 and regulation 2018 / 1725 ;


### to achieve the objectives of this regulation , the fund may support the actions in - line with union priorities as referred to in annex iii in relation to and in third countries , where appropriate , in accordance with article 5 . ### to achieve the objectives of this regulation , the fund may support the actions in - line with union priorities as listed to in annex iii , where appropriate , in accordance with article 5 .


### each member state shall ensure that the priorities addressed in its programmes are consistent with and respond to union priorities and challenges in the area of security and are fully in line with the relevant union acquis and agreed union priorities . in defining these priorities of their programmes , member states shall ensure that the implementing measures as set out in annex ii are adequately addressed in the programme . ### each member state and the commission shall ensure that the priorities addressed in the programmes are consistent with and respond to union priorities and challenges in the area of security and are fully in line with the relevant union acquis and agreed union priorities . in defining these priorities of their programmes , member states shall ensure that the implementing measures as set out in article 3a are adequately addressed in the programme .


### these financing decisions may be annual or multiannual and may cover one or more components of the thematic facility . ### these work programmes may be annual or multiannual and may cover one or more components of the thematic facility .


### there is a need to maximise the impact of union funding by mobilising , pooling and leveraging public and private financial resources . the fund should promote and encourage the active and meaningful participation and involvement of civil society , including non - governmental organisations , as well as the industrial sector in the development and implementation of security policy , including where relevant with involvement of other relevant actors , union agencies and other union bodies , third countries and international organisations in relation to the objective of the fund . ### there is a need to maximise the impact of union funding by mobilising , pooling and leveraging public financial resources . the fund should promote and encourage the active and meaningful participation and involvement of civil society , including non - governmental organisations , as well as the industrial sector in the development and implementation of security policy , in particular cybersecurity , including where relevant with involvement of other relevant actors , union agencies and other union bodies and international organisations in relation to the objective of the fund .


### the commission shall carry out a mid - term and a retrospective evaluation of this regulation , including the actions implemented under this fund . ### by 30 september 2024 , the commission shall carry out a mid - term review of progress towards the achievement of the objectives of this regulation , with reference in particular to the output and result indicators set out in annex viii to this regulation and the annual performance reports submitted by member states under article 30 . by the same date , the commission shall submit an evaluation report on the mid - term review undertaken to the european parliament and to the council . the evaluation report on the mid - term review shall in particular include an evaluation of the provisions of this regulation regarding simplification and flexibility , its coherence with internal and external policies of the union , the continued relevance of all implementing measures referred to in article 3a and the actions referred to in annex iii , as well as the contribution of the measures and actins to the objective of ensuring a common union policy on internal security . it shall take into account retrospective evaluation results on the long - term impact of the predecessor fund , the internal security fund 2014 - 2020 . the longer - term impacts and the sustainability of effects of the fund shall be evaluated with a view to feeding into a decision on a possible renewal , modification or suspension of a subsequent fund .


### funding from the thematic facility shall address priorities with a high added value to the union or to be used to respond to urgent needs , in line with agreed union priorities as outlined in annex ii . ### funding from the thematic facility shall address priorities with a high added value to the union or to be used to respond to urgent needs , in line with agreed union priorities as outlined in article 3a and for specific measures in annex iii .


### within the specific objectives set out in paragraph 2 , the fund shall be implemented through the implementation measures listed in annex ii . ### within the specific objectives set out in paragraph 2 , the fund shall be implemented through the implementation measures listed in article 3a .


### ‘ cybercrime’ means cyber - dependent crimes , that is to say crimes that can be committed only through the use of information and communications technology devices and systems , where the devices and systems are either tools for committing the crime or the primary targets of the crime ; and cyber - enabled crimes , that is to say traditional crimes , such as child sexual exploitation , which can be increased in scale or reach by the use of computers , computer networks or other forms of ict ; ### ‘ cybercrime’ means cyber - dependent crimes , that is to say crimes that can be committed only through the use of information and communications technology devices and systems , where the devices and systems are either tools for committing the crime or the primary targets of the crime ; and cyber - enabled crimes , that is to say traditional crimes , which can be increased in scale or reach by the use of computers , computer networks or other forms of ict ;


### in line with the shared priorities identified at union level to ensure a high level of security in the union , the fund will support actions aimed at addressing the main security threats and in particular tackling terrorism and radicalisation , serious and organised crime and cybercrime and assisting and protecting victims of crime . the fund will ensure that the union and its member states are well equipped also to address evolving and emerging threats with a view to implementing a genuine security union . this should be pursued through financial assistance to support better information exchange , increase operational cooperation and improve national and collective capabilities . ### in line with the shared priorities identified at union level to ensure a high level of security in the union , the fund will support actions aimed at addressing the main security threats and in particular tackling terrorism and violent extremism , including radicalisation , intolerance and discrimination , serious and organised crime and cybercrime and assisting and protecting victims of crime . the fund will ensure that the union and its member states are well equipped also to address evolving and emerging threats with a view to implementing a genuine security union . this should be pursued through financial assistance to support better information exchange , increase operational cooperation and improve national and collective capabilities .


### the commission shall establish the overall amount made available for the thematic facility at under the annual appropriations of the union budget . the commission shall adopt financing decisions as referred to in article [ 110 ] of the financial regulation for the thematic facility identifying the objectives and actions to be supported and specifying the amounts for each of its components as referred to paragraph 1 . financing decisions shall set out , where applicable , the overall amount reserved for blending operations . ### the commission shall establish the overall amount made available for the thematic facility at under the annual appropriations of the union budget . the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 28 in order to supplement this regulation by laying down work programmes as referred to in article [ 110 ] of the financial regulation for the thematic facility identifying the objectives and actions to be supported and specifying the amounts for each of its components as referred to paragraph 1 . work programmes shall set out , where applicable , the overall amount reserved for blending operations . to ensure a timely availability of resources , the commission may separately adopt a work programme for emergency assistance .


### any legal entity created under union law or any international organisation . ### any legal entity created under union law or any relevant international organisation .


### –projects which aim at improving the interoperability of it systems and communication networks . 41 __________________ 41 in line with the commission communication on stronger and smarter information systems for borders and security com 205 . ### –projects which aim at improving the implementation of the interoperability components of the european union information systems . __________________ 41 in line with the commission communication on stronger and smarter information systems for borders and security com 205 .


### to contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the fund , member states should ensure that the priorities of their programmes address the specific objectives of the fund , that the priorities chosen are in - line with the implementing measures as set out in annex ii and that the allocation of resources between objectives ensures that the overall policy objective can be met . ### to contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the fund , member states should ensure that the priorities of their programmes address the specific objectives of the fund , that the priorities chosen are in - line with the implementing measures as set out in article 3a and that the allocation of resources between objectives ensures that the overall policy objective can be met .


### –projects which aim to prevent and counter radicalisation . ### –projects which aim to prevent and counter violent extremism , including radicalisation , intolerance and discrimination , in particular by addressing their root causes .


### the policy objective of the fund shall be to contribute to ensuring a high level of security in the union , in particular by tackling terrorism and radicalisation , serious and organised crime and cybercrime and by assisting and protecting victims of crime . ### the policy objective of the fund shall be to contribute to ensuring a high level of security in the union , in particular by preventing and combatting terrorism , serious and organised crime and cybercrime , violent extremism , including radicalisation , intolerance and discrimination , and the assistance and protection of victims of crime .


### whenever a member state decides to implement projects with or in a third country , with the support of the fund , the member state concerned shall consult the commission prior to the start of the project . ### whenever a member state decides to implement projects with or in a third country , as referred to in article 5 , with the support of the fund , the member state concerned shall consult the commission prior to the start of the project .


### a maximum of 15 % of the allocation of a member state programme may be used for the purchase of equipment , means of transport or the construction of security - relevant facilities . this ceiling may be exceeded only in duly justified cases . ### a maximum of 5 % of the allocation of a member state programme may be used for the purchase of equipment , means of transport or the construction of security - relevant facilities . this ceiling may be exceeded only in duly justified cases .


### within the objectives referred to in article 3 and in - line with the implementation measures listed in annex ii , the fund shall in particular support the actions listed in annex iii . ### in - line with the implementation measures listed in article 3a , the fund shall support actions that contribute to the achievement of the objectives referred to in article 3 . they may include the actions listed in annex iii .


### to increase the exchange of information among and within the union law enforcement and other competent authorities and other relevant union bodies as well as with third countries and international organisations ; ### to improve the exchange of information among and within the union law enforcement and other competent authorities and other relevant union bodies as well as with third countries and international organisations , where relevant ;


### the policy objective of the fund shall be to contribute to ensuring a high level of security in the union , in particular by tackling terrorism and radicalisation , serious and organised crime and cybercrime and by assisting and protecting victims of crime . ### the policy objective of the fund shall be to contribute to ensuring a high level of security in the union , in particular by tackling terrorism and radicalisation , serious and organised crime , cybercrime and financial crime and by assisting and protecting victims of crime .


### the commission may associate the union agency for law enforcement cooperation , the european union agency for law enforcement training and the european monitoring centre for drugs and drug addiction where appropriate in the monitoring and evaluation tasks as specified in section 5 in particular in view of ensuring that the actions implemented with the support of the fund are compliant with the relevant union acquis and agreed union priorities . ### the commission may associate the union agency for law enforcement cooperation , the european union agency for law enforcement training , the european monitoring centre for drugs and drug addiction the european data protection board , the european data protection supervisor , and the european union agency for fundamental rights , where appropriate , in the monitoring and evaluation tasks as specified in section 5 , in particular in view of ensuring that the actions implemented with the support of the fund are compliant with the relevant union acquis and agreed union priorities .


### following the adopting of the financing decision as referred to in paragraph 3 , the commission may amend the programmes implemented under shared management accordingly . ### following the adoption of the work programme as referred to in paragraph 5 , the commission may amend the programmes implemented under shared management accordingly .


### ‘ eu policy cycle’ refers to an intelligence - led and multidisciplinary initiative with the aim to fight the most important serious and organised crime threats to the union by encouraging cooperation between the member states , the union institutions , the agencies and where relevant third countries and organisations ; ### ‘ eu policy cycle’ refers to an intelligence - led and multidisciplinary initiative with the aim to fight the most important serious and organised crime threats to the union by encouraging cooperation between the member states , the union institutions , the agencies and where relevant third countries and specific international organisations ;


### the available budget shall be allocated in a geographically balanced manner to projects meeting the above conditions in view of the proposals received and , in principle , on a ' first come , first served ' basis . ### the available budget shall be allocated to projects in a geographically balanced manner that contributes - within the limits of the received proposals - to the eu ' s economic , social and territorial cohesion by taking particular account of the needs of local communities . at least 20% of the budget should be allocated to areas that are less developed economically and digitally , with particular emphasis on islands and on mountainous , border and peripheral areas , as well as on areas that have been exposed to natural disasters , in order to invest the resources where they are most needed .


### local wireless connectivity should only qualify as free where it is provided without corresponding remuneration , whether by direct payment or other types of consideration , including , but not limited to , advertising and the provision of personal data . ### local wireless connectivity should only qualify as free where it is provided without corresponding remuneration , whether by direct payment or other types of consideration , including , but not limited to , advertising and the provision of personal data . beneficiary local authorities should suitably inform users of european union financial support for the provision of internet services .


### given internet connectivity needs within the union and the urgency of promoting access networks that can deliver , throughout the eu , an internet experience of high quality based on very high - speed broadband services , financial assistance should seek to attain a geographically balanced distribution . ### given internet connectivity needs within the union and the urgency of promoting access networks that can deliver , throughout the eu , an internet experience of high quality based on very high - speed broadband services , financial assistance should seek to attain a geographically balanced distribution , taking particular account of the needs of island regions and rural areas .


### the system established by regulation no 182 / 2011 has , overall , proven to work well in practice and struck an appropriate institutional balance as regards the roles of the commission and the other actors involved . that system should therefore continue to function unchanged except for certain targeted amendments concerning specific aspects of procedure at the level of the appeal committee . these amendments are intended to ensure wider political accountability and ownership of politically sensitive implementing acts without , however , modifying the legal and institutional responsibilities for implementing acts as organised by regulation no 182 / 2011 . ### the system established by regulation no 182 / 2011 has , overall , proven to work well in practice and struck an appropriate institutional balance as regards the roles of the commission and the other actors involved . that system should therefore continue to function unchanged except for certain targeted amendments concerning specific aspects of the advisory procedure and examination procedure , including the procedure at the level of the appeal committee . these amendments are intended to ensure wider political accountability and ownership of politically sensitive implementing acts without , however , modifying the legal and institutional responsibilities for implementing acts as organised by regulation no 182 / 2011 .


### transparency on the votes of member state representatives at the appeal committee level should be increased and the individual member state representatives ' votes should be made public . ### transparency throughout the entire advisory and examination procedures , including the appeal committee level should be increased . in particular , the individual member state representatives ' votes , including their voting intentions , in case no formal vote takes place , accompanied by clear justifications , should be made public .


### the voting results including , in the case of the appeal committee , the votes expressed by the representative of each member state ; ; ### the voting results including the votes expressed by the representative of each member state and , in case no formal vote takes place , member states’ voting intentions accompanied by clear justifications ;


### the commission should have the possibility , in specific cases , to ask the council to indicate its views and orientation on the wider implications of the absence of an opinion , including the institutional , legal , political and international implications . the commission should take account of any position expressed by the council within 3 months after the referral . in duly justified cases , the commission may indicate a shorter deadline in the referral . ### the commission should have the possibility , in specific cases , to ask the european parliament and the council to indicate their views and orientation on the wider implications of the absence of an opinion , including the institutional , legal , political and international implications . the commission should take account of any position expressed by the european parliament and the council within 3 months after the referral . in duly justified cases , the commission may indicate a shorter deadline in the referral .


### sustainable infrastructure policy window : comprises sustainable investment in the areas of transport , energy , digital connectivity , supply and processing of raw materials , space , oceans and water , waste , nature and other environment infrastructure , equipment , mobile assets and deployment of innovative technologies that contribute to the environmental or social sustainability objectives of the union , or to both , or meet the environmental or social sustainability standards of the union ; ### sustainable infrastructure policy window : comprises sustainable investment in the areas of transport , energy , digital connectivity , supply and processing of raw materials , space , oceans and water , waste , nature and other environment infrastructure , equipment , industrial decarbonisation , mobile assets and deployment of innovative technologies ; such investment shall contribute to the environmental or social sustainability objectives of the union , or to both , and meet the environmental or social sustainability standards of the union ;


### financing and investment operations under the sustainable infrastructure policy window referred to in point of paragraph shall be subject to climate , environmental and social sustainability proofing with a view to minimise detrimental impacts and maximise benefits on climate , environment and social dimension . for that purpose , promoters requesting financing shall provide adequate information based on guidance to be developed by the commission . projects below a certain size defined in the guidance shall be excluded from the proofing . ### financing and investment operations under the policy windows referred to in points to of paragraph shall be subject to climate , environmental and social sustainability proofing with a view to minimise detrimental impacts and maximise benefits on climate , environment and social dimension . for that purpose , promoters requesting financing shall provide adequate information based on guidance to be adopted by the commission in accordance with paragraph 6 . projects below a certain size defined in the guidance shall be excluded from the proofing .


### the contribution of the investeu fund to the achievement of the climate target will be tracked through an eu climate tracking system developed by the commission in cooperation with implementing partners and using in an appropriate way the criteria established by [ regulation on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment14 ] for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable . _________________ 14 com353 . ### the contribution of the investeu fund to the achievement of the climate target and sectoral targets included in the 2030 climate and energy framework will be tracked through an eu climate tracking system developed by the commission in cooperation with implementing partners and using in an appropriate way the criteria established by [ regulation on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment14 ] for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable . _________________ 14 com 321 final .


### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , the investeu programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the union budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under the investeu programme are expected to contribute 30 % of the overall financial envelope of the investeu programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the investeu programme ' s preparation and implementation and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes . ### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , the investeu programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 30 % of the union budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under the investeu programme are expected to contribute 35 % of the overall financial envelope of the investeu programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the investeu programme ' s preparation and implementation and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes .


### 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 to foster growth , investment , employment and sustainability 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 .


### investment projects receiving substantial union support , notably in the area of infrastructure , should be subject to sustainability proofing in accordance with guidance that should be developed by the commission in cooperation with implementing partners under the investeu programme and , using in an appropriate way the criteria established by [ regulation on establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment ] for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable and coherently with the guidance developed for other programmes of the union . such guidance should include adequate provisions to avoid undue administrative burden . ### all investment projects receiving substantial union support should be subject to sustainability proofing in accordance with guidance that should be developed by the commission in cooperation with implementing partners under the investeu programme and , using in an appropriate way the criteria established by [ regulation on establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment ] for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable and coherently with the guidance developed for other programmes of the union . such guidance should include adequate provisions to avoid undue administrative burden .


### investment projects receiving substantial union support , notably in the area of infrastructure , should be subject to sustainability proofing in accordance with guidance that should be developed by the commission in cooperation with implementing partners under the investeu programme and , using in an appropriate way the criteria established by [ regulation on establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment ] for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable and coherently with the guidance developed for other programmes of the union . such guidance should include adequate provisions to avoid undue administrative burden . ### investment projects receiving union support should be subject to sustainability proofing in accordance with guidance appropriate for the size and type of investment that should be developed by the commission in cooperation with implementing partners under the investeu programme and , using in an appropriate way the criteria established by [ regulation on establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment ] for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable and coherently with the guidance developed for other programmes of the union . such guidance should include adequate provisions to avoid undue administrative burden .


### financing and investment operations under the sustainable infrastructure policy window referred to in point of paragraph shall be subject to climate , environmental and social sustainability proofing with a view to minimise detrimental impacts and maximise benefits on climate , environment and social dimension . for that purpose , promoters requesting financing shall provide adequate information based on guidance to be developed by the commission . projects below a certain size defined in the guidance shall be excluded from the proofing . ### financing and investment operations under the policy windows referred to in points to of paragraph shall be subject to climate , environmental and social sustainability proofing through minimum sustainability thresholds in project scoreboards with a view to minimise detrimental impacts and maximise benefits on climate , environment and social dimension . for that purpose , promoters requesting financing shall provide adequate information according to guidance to be developed by the commission based on the regulation on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment 353 ) . the guidance may differentiate between investments according to their type and size .


### 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 . ### at least 45 % of the investment under the investeu programme shall contribute to meeting the union objectives on climate objectives and 10 % on environment objectives ;


### representation arrangements should be streamlined and obstacles to the conclusion of such arrangements among member states should be avoided . the representing member state should be responsible for the entire processing of visa applications without the involvement of the represented member state . ### representation arrangements should be streamlined and eased and obstacles to the conclusion of such arrangements among member states should be avoided . the representing member state should be responsible for the entire processing of visa applications without the involvement of the represented member state .


### for a validity period of one year , provided that the applicant has obtained and lawfully used three visas within the previous two years ; ### for a validity period of one year , provided that the applicant has obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous two years ;


### electronic visa application systems developed by member states help to facilitate application procedures for applicants and consulates . a common solution allowing full digitisation should be developed , making full use of the recent legal and technological developments . ### electronic visa application systems developed by member states are essential in order to facilitate application procedures for applicants and consulates . a common solution ensuring full digitisation should be developed by 2025 in the form of an online platform and an eu e - visa , thereby making full use of the recent legal and technological developments , to allow visa application online to accommodate the needs of applicants and attract more visitors to the schengen area . the electronic visa application system should be fully accessible for the people with disabilities . straightforward and streamlined procedural guarantees should be strengthened and uniformly applied .


### the service fee shall not exceed half of the amount of the visa fee set out in article 16 , irrespective of the possible reductions in or exemptions from the visa fee as provided for in article 16 , , and . ### paragraph 4 is replaced by the following : ‘ 4 . the service fee shall not exceed half of the amount of the visa fee set out in article 16 , irrespective of the possible reductions in or exemptions from the visa fee as provided for in article 16 , , and . it shall include all costs related to the submission of the visa application , including the transmission of the application and the travel document from the external service provider to the consulate and the return of the travel document to the external service provider . ’ ;


### representatives of non - profit organisations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars , conferences , sports , cultural or educational events organised by non - profit organisations . ### in paragraph 4 , point is replaced by the following : ‘ representatives of non - profit organisations aged 30 years or less participating in seminars , conferences , sports , cultural or educational events organised by non - profit organisations . ’ ;


### while performing their tasks , consular staff shall not discriminate against persons on grounds of sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation . ### in article 39 , paragraph 3 is replaced by the following : ‘ 3 . while performing their tasks , consular staff shall not discriminate against persons on grounds of nationality , sex , family status , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation . ’ ;


### without prejudice to paragraph 2 , a multiple entry visa valid for up to five years may be issued to applicants who prove the need or justify their intention to travel frequently and / or regularly provided that they prove their integrity and reliability , in particular the lawful use of previous visas , their economic situation in the country of origin and their genuine intention to leave the territory of the member states before the expiry of the visa for which they have applied . ### without prejudice to paragraph 2 , a multiple entry visa valid for up to five years shall be issued to applicants who prove the need or justify their intention to travel frequently and / or regularly , such as seafarers , provided that they prove their integrity and reliability , in particular the lawful use of previous visas , their economic situation in the country of origin and their genuine intention to leave the territory of the member states before the expiry of the visa for which they have applied .


### during the examination of an application , consulates may in justified cases carry out an interview with the applicant and request additional documents . ### during the examination of an application , consulates may in justified cases carry out an interview with the applicant and request additional documents . these interviews may be conducted using modern digital tools and remote means of communication , such as voice or video calls via internet . fundamental rights of applicants shall be guaranteed during the process .


### the visa fee should ensure that sufficient financial resources are available to cover the expenses of visa processing , including appropriate structures and sufficient staff to ensure the quality and integrity of the examination of visa applications . the amount of the visa fee should be revised on a two - yearly basis on the basis of objective criteria . ### the visa fee should ensure that sufficient financial resources are available to cover the expenses of visa processing , including appropriate structures and sufficient staff to ensure the quality , speed and integrity of the examination of visa applications . the amount of the visa fee should be revised every two years on the basis of objective assessment criteria .


### individual application files shall be kept for a minimum of one year from the date of the decision on the application as referred to in article 23 or , in the case of appeal , until the end of the appeal procedure . ### individual application files shall be kept for a minimum of two years from the date of the decision on the application as referred to in article 23 or , in the case of appeal , until the end of the appeal procedure .


### that period may be extended up to a maximum of 45 calendar days in individual cases , notably when further scrutiny of the application is needed . ### that period may be extended up to a maximum of 30 calendar days in individual cases , notably when further scrutiny of the application is needed .


### children under six years ; ### in paragraph 4 , point is replaced by the following : ‘ minors under the age of eighteen years ; ’ ;


### a decision on refusal and the reasons on which it is based shall be notified to the applicant by means of the standard form set out in annex vi . ### paragraph 2 is replaced by the following : ‘ 2 . a decision on refusal and the reasons on which it is based shall be notified to the applicant by means of the standard form set out in annex vi in a language which the applicant understands or can be reasonably supposed to understand . ’ ;


### this regulation establishes the conditions and procedures for issuing visas for intended stays on the territory of the member states not exceeding 90 days in any 180 - days period . ; ### this regulation establishes the conditions and procedures for issuing visas for intended stays on the territory of the member states not exceeding 90 days in any 180 - days period , and intended stays by sport and culture professionals for up to one year without staying more than 90 days in any 180 - day period in any single member state .


### applications shall be decided within 10 calendar days of the date of the lodging of an application which is admissible in accordance with article 19 . ### applications shall be decided within 7 calendar days of the date of the lodging of an application which is admissible in accordance with article 19 .


### the issuing of visas at the external border should remain exceptional . however , to promote short term tourism , member states should be authorised to issue visas at the external border on the basis of temporary schemes , for which the organisational arrangements should be notified and published . such schemes should be limited in scope and comply with the general rules for processing visa applications . the validity of the visa issued should be limited to the territory of the issuing member state . ### the issuing of visas at the external border should remain exceptional . however , to promote short term tourism , member states should be authorised to issue visas at the external border on the basis of temporary schemes , for which the organisational arrangements should be notified and published . such schemes must be limited in scope and comply with the general rules for processing visa applications and the processing of personal data contained in the gdpr regulation . the validity of the visa issued should be limited to the territory of the issuing member state .


### representatives of non - profit organisations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars , conferences , sports , cultural or educational events organised by non - profit organisations . ### in paragraph 4 , point is replaced by the following : “representatives of non - profit organisations aged 35 years or less participating in seminars , conferences , sports , cultural or educational events organised by non - profit organisations . ”


### this directive shall apply to contracts for the purchase , lease , rent or hire - purchase of road transport vehicles by : ### this directive shall apply to contracts for the purchase , lease , rent or hire - purchase of road transport vehicles and tires by :


### member states may exempt from the requirements laid down in this directive contracts for the purchase of vehicles referred to in article 2 of directive 2007 / 46 / ec , which are not subject to type approval or individual approval on their territory . ### article 2 is replaced by the following : ' member states may exempt from the requirements laid down in this directive contracts for the purchase of vehicles referred to in article 2 of directive 2007 / 46 / ec , which are not subject to type approval or individual approval on their territory and vehicles referred to in article 13 of regulation no 561 / 2006 . '


### life - cycle costing is an important tool for contracting authorities and entities to cover energy and environmental costs during the life - cycle of a vehicle , including the cost of greenhouse gas emission and other pollutant emissions on the basis of a relevant methodology to determine their monetary value . given the scarce use of the methodology for the calculation of operational lifetime costs under directive 2009 / 33 / eu and the information provided by contracting authorities and entities on the use of own methodologies tailored to their specific circumstances and needs , there should be no methodology mandatory to use , but contracting authorities , contracting entities or operators should be able to choose any life - costing methodology in order to support their procurement processes . ### life - cycle costing is an important tool for contracting authorities and entities to cover energy and environmental costs during the life - cycle of a vehicle , including the cost of greenhouse gas emission and other pollutant emissions on the basis of a relevant methodology to determine their monetary value . scarce use is made of the methodology for the calculation of operational lifetime costs under directive 2009 / 33 / eu and , according to the information provided by contracting authorities and entities , it is their own methodologies tailored to their specific circumstances and needs that are used instead ; nevertheless , to ensure greater clarity at union level , a mandatory harmonized additional method of calculating total operational lifetime vehicle emissions should be introduced for monitoring and information purposes at least . at the same time , contracting authorities , contracting entities or operators should be able to choose any life - costing methodology in order to support their procurement processes .


### there is widespread support from key stakeholders for a definition of clean vehicles taking account of reduction requirements for greenhouse gases and air pollutant emissions from light - and heavy - duty vehicles . to ensure that there are adequate incentives to supporting market - uptake of low - and zero - emission vehicles in the union , provisions for their public procurement under this amendment should be aligned with provisions of union legislation on co2 emission performance of cars and vans for the post - 2020 period26 . action carried out under the amended directive will contribute to compliance with the requirements of these standards . a more ambitious approach for public procurement can provide an important additional market stimulus . _________________ 26 com 676 final ### the amended directive should contribute to a reduction of emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse from light - and heavy - duty vehicles . to ensure that there are adequate incentives to supporting market - uptake of low - and zero - emission vehicles in the union , provisions for their public procurement under this amendment should be aligned with provisions of union legislation on co2 emission performance of cars and vans for the post - 2020 period26 - this approach must also apply to heavy - duty vehicles . action carried out under the amended directive will contribute to compliance with the requirements of these standards . a more ambitious approach for public procurement can provide an important additional market stimulus ; in particular , the supply of heavy - duty vehicles must be further stimulated , due to the less advanced level of market maturity of ' clean ' heavy - duty vehicles . _________________ 26 com 676 final


### member states shall ensure that purchase , lease , rent or hire - purchase of road transport vehicles , and public service contracts on public passenger transport by road and rail and public service contracts as referred to in article 3 of this directive comply with the minimum procurement targets for light - duty vehicles referred to in table 4 of the annex and for heavy - duty vehicles referred to in table 5 in the annex . ### member states shall ensure that purchase , lease , rent or hire - purchase of road transport vehicles , and public service contracts on public passenger transport by road and rail and public service contracts as referred to in article 3 of this directive comply with the minimum procurement targets for light - duty vehicles referred to in table 4 of the annex and for heavy - duty vehicles referred to in table 5 in the annex and include contractual provisions to ensure the actual use of alternative fuels . those targets represent the minimum percentages of clean vehicles in the total number of road transport vehicles covered by the contracts referred to in article 3 , signed after the date of application of this directive .


### innovation of new technologies helps to lower vehicle emissions , supporting the decarbonisation of the transport sector . an increased uptake of low - and zero - emission road vehicles is likely to reduce emissions of co2 and certain pollutant emissions and to promote competitiveness and growth of the european industry in the increasing global markets for low - and zero - emission vehicles . ### innovation of new technologies helps to lower vehicle emissions , supporting the decarbonisation of the transport sector . an increased uptake of low - and zero - emission road vehicles is likely to reduce emissions of co2 and certain pollutant emissions . such pollutants have been linked to numerous lung diseases and more than 400 . 000 premature deaths in europe and generate health costs of between 330 billion euro and 940 billion euro , equivalent to 3 % to 9 % of the union’s gdp . in order to reduce air and noise pollution and meet the eu air quality standards in urban and rural areas , concrete and ambitious policies and measures , including the use of public procurement of clean emission vehicles , are needed .


### member state authorities may apply higher minimum mandates than those referred to in the annex of this directive . ### given that this directive is meant to foster the market for clean vehicles and improve air quality , member state authorities are encouraged to apply higher minimum mandates than those referred to in the annex of this directive .


### life - cycle costing is an important tool for contracting authorities and entities to cover energy and environmental costs during the life - cycle of a vehicle , including the cost of greenhouse gas emission and other pollutant emissions on the basis of a relevant methodology to determine their monetary value . given the scarce use of the methodology for the calculation of operational lifetime costs under directive 2009 / 33 / eu and the information provided by contracting authorities and entities on the use of own methodologies tailored to their specific circumstances and needs , there should be no methodology mandatory to use , but contracting authorities , contracting entities or operators should be able to choose any life - costing methodology in order to support their procurement processes . ### life - cycle costing is an important tool for contracting authorities and entities to cover energy and environmental costs during the life - cycle of a vehicle , including the cost of greenhouse gas emission and other pollutant emissions on the basis of a relevant methodology to determine their monetary value . given the scarce use of the methodology for the calculation of operational lifetime costs under directive 2009 / 33 / eu and the information provided by contracting authorities and entities on the use of own methodologies tailored to their specific circumstances and needs , there should be no methodology mandatory to use , but contracting authorities , contracting entities or operators should be able to choose any life - costing methodology in order to support their procurement processes . however , due to the lack of a clear understanding of the overall life - cycle emissions of the various fuel types , the commission should provide an analysis that will lead to a common union methodology for manufacturers to report data on co2 emissions of all fuel types in a consistent manner .


### member states shall ensure that purchase , lease , rent or hire - purchase of road transport vehicles , and public service contracts on public passenger transport by road and rail and public service contracts as referred to in article 3 of this directive comply with the minimum procurement targets for light - duty vehicles referred to in table 4 of the annex and for heavy - duty vehicles referred to in table 5 in the annex . ### member states shall ensure that purchase , lease , rent , hire - purchase or retrofitting to clean or zero - emission vehicle standards of road transport vehicles , and public service contracts on public passenger transport by road and rail and public service contracts as referred to in article 3 of this directive comply with the minimum procurement targets for light - duty vehicles referred to in table 4 of the annex and for heavy - duty vehicles referred to in table 5 in the annex .


### this directive shall apply to contracts for the purchase , lease , rent or hire - purchase of road transport vehicles by : ### this directive shall apply to new contracts for the purchase , lease , rent or hire - purchase of road transport vehicles by :


### setting minimum targets for clean vehicle procurement by 2025 and by 2030 at member state level should contribute to policy certainty for markets where investments in low - and zero - emission mobility are warranted . the minimum targets support market creation throughout the union . they provide time for the adjustment of public procurement processes and give a clear market signal . the impact assessment notes that member states increasingly set targets , depending on their economic capacity and how serious the problem is . different targets should be set for different member states in accordance with their economic capacity and exposure to pollution . minimum procurement targets should be complemented by the obligation of the contracting authorities , entities and operators to consider relevant energy and environmental aspects in all their procurement procedures . the territorial impact assessment of this amended directive illustrated that the impact will be evenly distributed among regions in the union . ### setting minimum targets for clean vehicle procurement by 2025 and by 2030 at member state level should contribute to policy certainty for markets where investments in low - and zero - emission mobility are warranted . the minimum targets support market creation throughout the union . they provide time for the adjustment of public procurement processes and give a clear market signal . the impact assessment notes that member states increasingly set targets , depending on their economic capacity and how serious the problem is . different targets should be set for different member states in accordance with their economic capacity and exposure to pollution in urban and rural environments . minimum procurement targets should be complemented by the obligation of the contracting authorities , entities and operators to consider relevant energy and environmental aspects in all their procurement procedures . the territorial impact assessment of this amended directive illustrated that the impact will be evenly distributed among regions in the union .


### member states shall ensure that before introducing new legislative , regulatory or administrative provisions restricting access to or pursuit of regulated professions , or amending existing ones , the relevant competent authorities undertake an assessment of their proportionality in accordance with the rules laid down in this directive . ### member states shall ensure that before introducing new legislative , regulatory or administrative provisions restricting access to or pursuit of regulated professions , or amending existing ones , the relevant competent authorities undertake an assessment of their proportionality in accordance with the rules laid down in this directive , taking full account of the specific nature of each profession .


### smes policy window : access to and availability of finance for smes and , in duly justified cases , for small mid - cap companies ; ### smes policy window : access to and availability of finance for smes and , in duly justified cases , by adopting specific reference criteria , for small mid - cap companies and business clusters and networks ;


### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , the investeu programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the union budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under the investeu programme are expected to contribute 30 % of the overall financial envelope of the investeu programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the investeu programme ' s preparation and implementation and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes . ### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , the investeu programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the achievement of an overall target of 30 % of the union budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . actions under the investeu programme are expected to contribute at least 40 % of the overall financial envelope of the investeu programme to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the investeu programme ' s preparation and implementation and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes .


### sustainable infrastructure policy window : comprises sustainable investment in the areas of transport , energy , digital connectivity , supply and processing of raw materials , space , oceans and water , waste , nature and other environment infrastructure , equipment , mobile assets and deployment of innovative technologies that contribute to the environmental or social sustainability objectives of the union , or to both , or meet the environmental or social sustainability standards of the union ; ### sustainable infrastructure policy window : comprises sustainable investment in the areas of transport , renewable energy , energy efficiency investments , in line with the 2030 and 2050 energy frameworks ; digital connectivity , supply and processing of raw materials , space , oceans and water , waste , nature and other environment infrastructure , mobile assets and deployment of innovative technologies that contribute to the environmental or social sustainability objectives of the union , or to both , or meet the environmental or social sustainability standards of the union ;


### 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 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 in particular with a social goal ; integration of vulnerable people , including third country nationals .


### a significant effort is urgently needed to invest in digital transformation and to distribute the benefits of it to all union citizens and businesses . the strong policy framework of the digital single market strategy should now be matched by investment of a similar ambition , including in artificial intelligence . ### a significant effort is urgently needed to invest in digital transformation and to distribute the benefits of it to all union citizens and businesses . the strong policy framework of the digital single market strategy should now be matched by investment of a similar ambition , including in artificial intelligence , machine learning , blockchain , internet of things , and biotechnology inter alia . in this line , fintech innovation can improved the efficiency of capital allocation and the exploration of crowdfunding and token - based instruments can mobilize significant volumes of idle capital to highly risky entrepreneurial ventures . the combination of the proceedings of those capital accumulation instruments with investeu is desirable subject to the improvement of legal certainty of these innovative instruments in the context of the capital markets 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 to foster sustainable 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 .


### research , innovation and digitisation policy window : comprises research and innovation activities , transfer of research results to the market , demonstration and deployment of innovative solutions and support to scaling up of innovative companies other than smes as well as digitisation of union industry ; ### research , innovation and digitisation policy window : comprises research and innovation activities , transfer of research results to the market , demonstration and deployment of innovative solutions and support to scaling up of innovative companies as well as digitisation of union industry ;


### 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 innovative start - ups , smes and for mid - cap companies ;


### support of the eu guarantee may be granted for financing and investment operations covered by this regulation for an investment period ending on 31 december 2027 . contracts between the implementing partner and the final recipient or the financial intermediary or other entity referred to in article 13 shall be signed by 31 december 2028 . ### support of the eu guarantee may be granted for financing and investment operations covered by this regulation for an investment period ending on 31 december 2027 . contracts between the implementing partner and the final recipient or the financial intermediary or other entity referred to in article 13 shall be signed by 31 december 2028 . for avoidance of doubt , such dates shall not apply for operations conducted between financial intermediaries and final recipients .


### 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 to foster sustainable growth based on incremental total factor productivity rates , low cost investment and good quality of jobs , and thereby contributing to improved well - being and fairer income distribution in the union . intervention through the investeu fund should complement and not replace union support delivered through grants .


### the eu guarantee for the purposes of the eu compartment referred to in point of article 8 shall be eur 38 000 000 000 . it shall be provisioned at the rate of 40 % . ### the eu guarantee for the purposes of the eu compartment referred to in point of article 8 shall be eur 38 000 000 000 . it shall be provisioned at the rate of 40 % . the commission may decide to select a financial institution that has a broad coverage across the union and knowledge of eu policies .


### financing and investment operations under the sustainable infrastructure policy window referred to in point of paragraph shall be subject to climate , environmental and social sustainability proofing with a view to minimise detrimental impacts and maximise benefits on climate , environment and social dimension . for that purpose , promoters requesting financing shall provide adequate information based on guidance to be developed by the commission . projects below a certain size defined in the guidance shall be excluded from the proofing . ### financing and investment operations under all policy windows referred to in paragraph shall be subject to climate , environmental and social sustainability proofing with a view to minimise detrimental impacts and maximise benefits on climate , environment and social dimension . for that purpose , promoters requesting financing shall provide adequate information based on guidance to be developed by the commission , using the criteria established by [ regulation on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable development com353 ] . projects below a certain size defined in the guidance shall be excluded from the proofing .


### the eu guarantee under the member state compartment should be allocated to any implementing partner eligible according to [ article 62 ] of the [ financial regulation ] , including national or regional promotional banks or institutions , the eib , the european investment fund and other multilateral development banks . when selecting implementing partners under the member state compartment , the commission should take into account the proposals made by each member state . in accordance with [ article 154 ] of the [ financial regulation ] , the commission must carry out an assessment of the rules and procedures of the implementing partner to ascertain that they provide a level of protection of the financial interest of the union equivalent to the one provided by the commission . ### the eu guarantee under the member state compartment should be allocated to any implementing partner eligible according to [ article 62 ] of the [ financial regulation ] , including national or regional promotional banks or institutions , the eib , the european investment fund and other multilateral development banks . when selecting implementing partners under the member state compartment , the commission should take into account the proposals made by each member state . in accordance with [ article 154 ] of the [ financial regulation ] , the commission must carry out an assessment of the rules and procedures of the implementing partner to ascertain that they provide a level of protection of the financial interest of the union equivalent to the one provided by the commission . the evaluation should ensure limited bureaucratic barriers and costs that do not affect the return on investment and influence rates .


### the contribution of the investeu fund to the achievement of the climate target will be tracked through an eu climate tracking system developed by the commission in cooperation with implementing partners and using in an appropriate way the criteria established by [ regulation on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment14 ] for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable . _________________ 14 com353 . ### the contribution of the investeu fund to the achievement of the climate target will be tracked through an eu climate tracking system developed by the commission in cooperation with implementing partners and using in an appropriate way the criteria established by [ regulation on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment14 ] for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable . the investeu programme will also contribute to implementing other dimensions of the sustainable development goals in line with the communication on the next steps for a sustainable european future which aims to mainstream the sdgs into eu policies and initiatives , with sustainable development as an essential guiding principle for all its policies . _________________ 14 com353 .


### the union endorsed the objectives set out in the united nations agenda 2030 and its sustainable development goals and the paris agreement in 2015 as well as the sendai framework for disaster risk reduction 2015 - 2030 . to achieve the agreed objectives , including those embedded in the environmental policies of the union , action pursuing sustainable development is to be stepped up significantly . therefore , the principles of sustainable development should feature prominently in the design of the investeu fund . ### the union endorsed the objectives set out in the united nations agenda 2030 and its sustainable development goals and the paris agreement in 2015 as well as the sendai framework for disaster risk reduction 2015 - 2030 . to achieve the agreed objectives , including those embedded in the environmental policies of the union , action pursuing sustainable development is to be stepped up significantly . therefore , the principles of sustainable development must be the basis of the design of the investeu fund .


### 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 , advancing technologies and innovations combatting climate change , 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 .


### low infrastructure investment rates in the union during the financial crisis undermined the union ' s ability to boost sustainable growth , competitiveness and convergence . sizeable investments in the european infrastructure are fundamental to meet the union ' s sustainability targets , including the 2030 energy and climate targets . accordingly , support from the investeu fund should target investments into transport , energy , including energy efficiency and renewable energy , environmental , climate action , maritime and digital infrastructure . to maximise the impact and the value added of union financing support , it is appropriate to promote a streamlined investment process enabling visibility of the project pipeline and consistency across relevant union programmes . bearing in mind security threats , investment projects receiving union support should take into account principles for the protection of citizens in public spaces . this should be complementary to the efforts made by other union funds such as the european regional development fund providing support for security components of investments in public spaces , transport , energy and other critical infrastructure . ### low infrastructure investment rates in the union during the financial crisis undermined the union ' s ability to boost sustainable growth , competitiveness and convergence . sizeable investments in the european infrastructure and energy efficiency are fundamental to meet the union ' s sustainability targets , including the union ' s commitments towards the sdgs , and the 2030 energy and climate targets . accordingly , support from the investeu fund should target investments into sustainable development - compatible projects on transport , energy , including energy efficiency and renewable energy , environmental , climate action , maritime and digital infrastructure . investeu must prioritise the areas that enable the union to meet its 2030 and mid - century sustainability and climate targets . to maximise the impact and the value added of union financing support , it is appropriate to promote a streamlined investment process enabling visibility of the project pipeline and consistency across relevant union programmes . bearing in mind security threats , investment projects receiving union support should take into account principles for the protection of citizens in public spaces . this should be complementary to the efforts made by other union funds such as the european regional development fund providing support for security components of investments in public spaces , transport , energy and other critical infrastructure .


### the scoreboard shall be publicly available after the signature of a financing or investment operation or sub - project , if applicable . the publication shall not contain commercially sensitive information or personal data not to be disclosed under the union data protection rules . ### the scoreboard shall be publicly available after the signature of a financing or investment operation or sub - project , if applicable . the publication shall not contain commercially sensitive information or personal data not to be disclosed under the union data protection rules . a rate of the projects rejected over the projects accepted per member state should be included annually . a justification of acceptance or rejection should be provided for every project .


### new effective healthcare products , including pharmaceuticals , medical devices and advanced therapy medicinal products . ### new effective and accessible healthcare products , including pharmaceuticals , medical devices and advanced therapy medicinal products , having difficulties to find appropriate private funding .


### low infrastructure investment rates in the union during the financial crisis undermined the union ' s ability to boost sustainable growth , competitiveness and convergence . sizeable investments in the european infrastructure are fundamental to meet the union ' s sustainability targets , including the 2030 energy and climate targets . accordingly , support from the investeu fund should target investments into transport , energy , including energy efficiency and renewable energy , environmental , climate action , maritime and digital infrastructure . to maximise the impact and the value added of union financing support , it is appropriate to promote a streamlined investment process enabling visibility of the project pipeline and consistency across relevant union programmes . bearing in mind security threats , investment projects receiving union support should take into account principles for the protection of citizens in public spaces . this should be complementary to the efforts made by other union funds such as the european regional development fund providing support for security components of investments in public spaces , transport , energy and other critical infrastructure . ### low infrastructure investment rates in the union during the financial crisis undermined the union ' s ability to boost sustainable growth , competitiveness and convergence . the relative weakness of the infrastructure and innovation window under efsi indicates the low demand side of the market to invest in infrastructures , especially cross - border infrastructures , despite the availability of supply - side investment instruments . sizeable investments in the european infrastructure are fundamental to meet the union ' s sustainability targets , including the 2030 energy and climate targets . accordingly , support from the investeu fund should target investments into transport , energy , including energy efficiency and renewable energy , environmental , climate action , maritime and digital infrastructure . to maximise the impact and the value added of union financing support , it is appropriate to promote a streamlined investment process enabling visibility of the project pipeline and consistency across relevant union programmes . bearing in mind security threats , investment projects receiving union support should take into account principles for the protection of citizens in public spaces . this should be complementary to the efforts made by other union funds such as the european regional development fund providing support for security components of investments in public spaces , transport , energy and other critical infrastructure .


### 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 ensure that at least 50 % of the investment under the sustainable infrastructure policy window contribute to meeting the union objectives on climate and environment , in line with the commitments made under the paris agreement .


### the investeu portal shall be established by the commission . it shall be an easily accessible and user - friendly project database , providing relevant information for each project . ### the investeu portal shall be established by the commission . it shall provide an easily accessible and user - friendly project database , giving more visibility to projects and allowing investors to identify investment opportunities in their sector or area of interest .


### new effective healthcare products , including pharmaceuticals , medical devices and advanced therapy medicinal products . ### new effective healthcare technologies , including medicines , medical devices , diagnostics , treatments and advanced therapy medicinal products ;


### directive 2000 / 84 / ec is repealed with effect from 1 april 2019 . ### directive 2000 / 84 / ec is repealed with effect from 1 april 2020 .


### this directive should apply from 1 april 2019 , so that the last summer - time period subject to the rules of directive 2000 / 84 / ec should start , in every member state , at 1 . 00 a . m . , coordinated universal time , on 31 march 2019 . member states that , after that summer - time period , intend to adopt a standard time corresponding to the time applied during the winter season in accordance with directive 2000 / 84 / ec should change their standard time at 1 . 00 a . m . , coordinated universal time , on 27 october 2019 , so that similar and lasting changes occurring in different member states take place simultaneously . it is desirable that member states take the decisions on the standard time that each of them will apply as from 2019 in a concerted manner . ### this directive should apply from 1 april 2020 , so that the last summer - time period subject to the rules of directive 2000 / 84 / ec should start , in every member state , on 31 march 2020 , at 1 . 00 a . m . coordinated universal time . member states that , after that summer - time period , intend to adopt a standard time corresponding to the time applied during the winter season in accordance with directive 2000 / 84 / ec should change their standard time on 27 october 2020 at 1 . 00 a . m . coordinated universal time , so that similar and lasting changes occurring in different member states take place simultaneously . it is desirable that member states take the decisions on the standard time that each of them will apply as from 2020 in a concerted manner .


### notwithstanding paragraph 1 , member states may still apply a seasonal change of their standard time or times in 2019 , provided that they do so at 1 . 00 a . m . , coordinated universal time , on 27 october 2019 . the member states shall notify this decision in accordance with article 2 . ### notwithstanding paragraph 1 , member states may still apply a seasonal change of their standard time or times in 2020 , provided that they do so on 29 october 2020 at 1 . 00 a . m . coordinated universal time . the member states shall notify this decision in accordance with article 2 .


### member states shall adopt and publish , by 1 april 2019 at the latest , the laws , regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this directive . they shall forthwith communicate to the commission the text of those provisions . ### member states shall adopt and publish , by 1 april 2020 at the latest , the laws , regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this directive . they shall forthwith communicate to the commission the text of those provisions .


### they shall apply those provisions from 1 april 2019 . ### they shall apply those provisions from 1 april 2020 .


### a lively public debate is taking place on summer - time arrangements and some member states have already expressed their preference to discontinue the application of such arrangements . in the light of these developments , it is necessary to continue safeguarding the proper functioning of the internal market and to avoid any significant disruptions thereto caused by divergences between member states in this area . therefore , it is appropriate to put an end in a coordinated way to summer - time arrangements . ### a lively public debate is taking place on summer - time arrangements and some member states have already expressed their preference to discontinue the application of such arrangements . during the discussions held , specialists from various fields , including human and veterinary medicine , agriculture , education and tourism , assessed the adverse effects of the yearly changing of the clocks . in the light of these developments , it is necessary to continue safeguarding the proper functioning of the internal market and to avoid any significant disruptions thereto caused by divergences between member states in this area . therefore , it is appropriate to put an end in a coordinated way to summer - time arrangements .


### draft legislative resolution ### calls for an immediate review of the common approach annexed to the joint statement of the european parliament , the council of the european union and the european commission on decentralised agencies of 19 july 2012 in order to closely involve the european parliament in the decision - making process on the location of agencies in view of its prerogatives as co - legislator under the ordinary legislative procedure ;


### draft legislative resolution ### approves its statement annexed to this resolution ;


### in case of any change concerning information referred to in the first subparagraph , parcel delivery service providers shall inform the national regulatory authority of this change within 30 days . ### in case of any change concerning information referred to in paragraph 1 , parcel delivery service providers shall inform the national regulatory authority of this change within 30 days .


### in order to improve the affordability of cross - border parcel delivery services , especially for users in remote or sparsely populated areas , it is necessary to improve the transparency of public lists of tariffs for a limited set of cross - border parcel delivery services offered by universal service providers , which are mostly used by small and medium - sized enterprises and individuals . transparency of public lists is also necessary to address the issue of high tariffs of cross - border delivery services and to reduce , where applicable , unjustified tariff differences between national and cross - border parcel delivery services . ### in order to improve the affordability of cross - border parcel delivery services , especially for users in remote or sparsely populated areas and for those who are disabled or with reduced mobility , it is necessary to improve the transparency of tariffs and terminal rates for a limited set of cross - border parcel delivery services offered by parcel delivery service providers , which are mostly used by small and medium - sized enterprises and individuals . transparency is also necessary to address the issue of high tariffs of cross - border delivery services and to reduce , where applicable , unjustified tariff differences between domestic and cross - border parcel delivery services .


### before xx / xx / 2019 , and thereafter every four years , the commission shall submit to the european parliament , the council and the economic and social committee an evaluation report on the application of this regulation accompanied where appropriate by a proposal for its review . ### before xx / xx / 2019 , and thereafter every three years , the commission shall submit to the european parliament , the council and the economic and social committee an evaluation report on the application of this regulation accompanied where appropriate by a proposal for its review . the commission report on the application of the regulation shall be preceded by , and based on , wide - ranging consultations with all stakeholders .


### when providing information to the national regulatory authority , it should be taken into account that parcel delivery service providers may have already provided certain information to the same national regulatory authority . parcel delivery services are important for small and medium - sized enterprises and individuals and they should be able to compare easily between different providers . therefore , the services for which tariffs should be provided by universal service providers should be clearly defined . those tariffs should be published by the commission on a dedicated webpage and should , together with the confidential regular provision of the underlying terminal rates , constitute the basis for the national regulatory authorities to assess the affordability of tariffs for cross - border parcel delivery services . parcel delivery service providers other than universal service providers may voluntarily provide , in a comparable form , their national regulatory authority with the tariffs for the same items provided that such items are delivered at the home or the premises of the addressee . ### when providing information to the national regulatory authority , it should be taken into account that parcel delivery service providers may have already provided certain information to that national regulatory authority . parcel delivery services are important for small and medium - sized enterprises and individuals and they should be able to compare easily between different providers . therefore , the services for which tariffs should be provided by parcel delivery service providers should be clearly defined . those tariffs should be published by the commission on a dedicated webpage .


### the number of postal items other than items of correspondence and not exceeding 31 , 5 kg handled in the member state in which the provider is established in the previous calendar year , broken down into national , incoming and outgoing cross - border postal items . ### the number of parcels handled over the previous calendar year in the member state in which the parcels delivery service provider is established , broken down into domestic , incoming and outgoing cross - border postal items .


### the national regulatory authority shall submit its assessment , including any information and / or justification provided in accordance with paragraph 3 , to the commission , the national regulatory authorities of the other member states and the national authorities within the member state of the submitting national regulatory authority entrusted with the implementation of competition law . a non - confidential version of that assessment shall also be provided to the commission . that information shall be provided by 31 march of each calendar year at the latest . ### the parcel delivery service provider shall provide the national regulatory authority with the justification referred to in paragraph 3 of this article within one month of receipt of the request .


### the national regulatory authority shall submit its assessment , including any information and / or justification provided in accordance with paragraph 3 , to the commission , the national regulatory authorities of the other member states and the national authorities within the member state of the submitting national regulatory authority entrusted with the implementation of competition law . a non - confidential version of that assessment shall also be provided to the commission . that information shall be provided by 31 march of each calendar year at the latest . ### the national regulatory authority shall submit its assessment , including any information and / or justification provided in accordance with paragraph 3 , to the commission and the national regulatory authorities of the member states concerned . that information shall be provided to the commission by 31 march of each calendar year . the national regulatory authority and the commission shall ensure that the assessments and any information and / or justifications provided are treated in the strictest confidentiality .


### therefore , it is important to provide a clear definition of parcel delivery services and to specify which postal items are covered by that definition . this concerns in particular postal items , other than items of correspondence , which because of their weight are commonly used for sending goods and merchandise . this regulation should therefore cover , in line with consistent practice , postal items weighing up to 31 . 5 kg , as heavier items cannot be handled by a single average individual without mechanical aids . in line with current practice and directive 97 / 67 / ec , each step in the postal chain , i . e . clearance , sorting and delivery should be considered parcel delivery services . transport alone that is not undertaken in conjunction with one of those steps should fall outside the scope of parcel delivery services as it can in this case be assumed that this activity is part of the transport sector . ### therefore , it is important to provide a clear definition of parcels and parcel delivery services and to specify which items are covered by those definitions . this concerns in particular postal items , other than items of correspondence , which because of their weight are commonly used for sending goods and merchandise . this regulation should therefore cover , in line with consistent practice , parcels with or without commercial value weighing up to 31 . 5 kg , as heavier items cannot be handled by a single average individual without mechanical aids . in line with current practice and directive 97 / 67 / ec , each step in the postal chain , i . e . clearance , sorting , transport and distribution should be considered parcel delivery services .


### as markets for parcel delivery services are changing fast , the commission should re - assess the efficiency and effectiveness of this regulation and submit a regular report to the european parliament and the council . that report should be accompanied , where appropriate , by proposals for review to the european parliament and the council . ### as markets for parcel delivery services are changing fast , the commission should re - assess the efficiency and effectiveness of this regulation and submit a regular evaluation report to the european parliament and the council . that report should be accompanied , where appropriate , by legislative proposals for review to the european parliament and the council . that report should be produced following consultation with all appropriate stakeholders including the european social dialogue committee for the postal sector .


### terminal rates are based on multilateral and bilateral agreements between universal service providers and ensure that the destination universal service provider is remunerated for the costs of the service provided to the originating universal service provider . terminal rates should be defined in such a way that it includes both terminal dues , as defined in point 15 of article 2 of directive 97 / 67 / ec that are applied for letter mail items and inward land rates that are applied to parcels . ### terminal rates are based on multilateral and bilateral agreements between parcel delivery service providers and ensure that the destination parcel delivery service provider is remunerated for the costs of the service provided to the originating parcel delivery service provider . terminal rates should be defined in such a way that they include both terminal dues , as defined in point 15 of article 2 of directive 97 / 67 / ec that are applied for letter mail items and inward land rates that are applied to parcels .


### the annual turnover in parcel delivery services for the previous calendar year in the member state in which the provider is established , broken down in parcel delivery services relating to national , incoming and outgoing cross - border postal items ; ### the annual turnover in parcel delivery services for the previous calendar year in the member state in which the parcel delivery service provider is established , broken down in parcel delivery services relating to domestic , incoming and outgoing cross - border postal items ;


### the commission shall , by means of an implementing act , establish a form for the submission of the information referred to in paragraph 1 of this article . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 9 . ### the commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 9a establishing a form for the submission of the information referred to in paragraph 1 and 3 of this article .


### universal service providers providing parcel delivery services shall provide the national regulatory authority of the member state in which they are established with the public list of tariffs applicable on 1 january of each calendar year for the delivery of postal items falling within the categories listed in the annex . that information shall be provided by 31 january of each calendar year at the latest . ### all cross - border parcel delivery service providers and their subsidiaries falling within the scope of article 3 , with the exception of subcontractors , shall provide the national regulatory authority of the member state where they are established with the public list of cross - border tariffs applicable on 1 january of each calendar year for the delivery of postal items falling within the categories listed in the annex . that information shall be provided by 31 january of each calendar year and shall be delivered in an electronic , machine readable format .


### universal service providers providing parcel delivery services shall provide the national regulatory authority of the member state in which they are established with the public list of tariffs applicable on 1 january of each calendar year for the delivery of postal items falling within the categories listed in the annex . that information shall be provided by 31 january of each calendar year at the latest . ### universal cross - border parcel delivery service providers shall furnish the national regulatory authority of the member state in which they are established with the public list of tariffs applicable on 1 january of each calendar year for the delivery of postal items falling within the categories listed in the annex . that information shall be provided by 31 january of each calendar year at the latest .


### subject matter ### subject matter and objectives


### before xx / xx / 2019 , and thereafter every four years , the commission shall submit to the european parliament , the council and the economic and social committee an evaluation report on the application of this regulation accompanied where appropriate by a proposal for its review . ### by . . . [ two years after the entry into force of this regulation ] , and thereafter every three years , the commission shall submit to the european parliament , the council and the economic and social committee an evaluation report on the application of this regulation accompanied where appropriate by a legislative proposal for its review . the report shall be produced following consultation with all appropriate stakeholders , including the european social dialogue committee for the postal sector .


### significant differences between domestic and cross - border tariffs for parcel delivery services should be justified by objective criteria , such as additional costs for transport and a reasonable profit margin . universal service providers providing parcel delivery services should be required to provide such justification without delay . ### significant differences between domestic and cross - border tariffs for parcel delivery services should be justified by objective criteria , such as , for example , additional costs for transport and a reasonable profit margin . parcel delivery service providers providing cross - border parcel delivery services should be required to provide such justification without delay .


### universal service providers providing parcel delivery services may conclude multilateral and bilateral agreements on terminal rates and may set up other programmes to facilitate the interconnectivity of their delivery networks . for reasons of non - discrimination , competing parcel delivery service providers shall be granted equal access to the terminal rates applicable between parties under multilateral agreements . it may be justified that terminal rates payable by third - party parcel delivery service providers , in some cases , exceed those payable by universal service providers that are parties to such agreements . this may be the case where the parties to a multilateral agreement on terminal rates are able to demonstrate that the cost of setting up , operating and administering the agreement , the extra cost incurred by accepting and handling items from non - designated parcel delivery service providers and other such costs are not covered by the terminal rates payable by the third - party service provider in the originating member state . ### parcel delivery service providers providing parcel delivery services may conclude multilateral and bilateral agreements on terminal rates and may set up other programmes to facilitate the interconnectivity of their delivery networks . it is important that any practices in this respect that might be in breach of principles of union competition law and of the provisions of directive 97 / 67 / ec are properly investigated and addressed by member states , national regulatory authorities and by the european commission in a timely and effective manner .