### access to the programme shall be open to international organisations active in the areas covered by the programme in accordance with the financial regulation . ### access to the programme shall be open to international organisations active in the areas covered by the programme such as unesco , the council of europe , with a more structured collaboration with cultural routes and euroimages , the world intellectual property organisation , the oecd on the basis of joint contributions for the achievement of the programme objectives and in accordance with the financial regulation .


### support to architecture and cultural heritage sectors : targeted actions for the mobility of operators , capacity - building , audience development and internationalization of the cultural heritage and architecture sectors , promotion of baukultur , support to the safeguarding , conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage and its values through awareness - raising , networking and peer - to - peer learning activities ; ### support to the cultural heritage sector including architecture : targeted actions for establishing standards as open , accessible and permanent hubs for their communities , providing research , regenerating life spaces , supporting the mobility of operators , capacity - building and entrepreneurship , supporting sharing of the professional knowledge for artisans and craftsmen and the development of common high quality standards for the sector , audience engagement and internationalization of the cultural heritage support to the safeguarding , conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage and its values at european and international level through awareness - raising , networking , peer - to - peer learning activities and mentoring ;


### in line with articles 8 and 10 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , the programme in all its activities should support gender mainstreaming and the mainstreaming of non - discrimination objectives and , where applicable , should define appropriate gender balance criteria . ### in line with articles 8 and 10 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , the programme in all its activities must support gender mainstreaming and the mainstreaming of non - discrimination objectives and define appropriate gender balance criteria .


### the evaluation committee may be composed of external experts . ### the evaluation committee may be composed of external experts . it shall meet in the physical presence of its members or remotely . in light of the heterogeneity of the cultural and creative sectors and the attention to be paid to new creations , the evaluation committee shall include an expert in the specific field of the evaluated projects . it shall also include an expert from the applicant country , without voting rights .


### to promote societal resilience and social inclusion through culture and cultural heritage ; ### to promote societal resilience and social inclusion through culture and cultural heritage , including through greater accessibility of cultural goods and services to persons with disabilities ;


### union intervention is needed in the audiovisual sector to accompany the union’s digital single market policies . this concerns notably the modernisation of the copyright framework and the proposed regulation on online transmissions of broadcasting organisations16 , as well as the proposal to amend directive 2010 / 13 / eu of the european parliament and of the council17 . they seek to strengthen the capacity of european audiovisual players to finance , produce and disseminate works that can be sufficiently visible on the different media of communication available and attractive to audiences in a more open and competitive market within europe and beyond . support should be scaled up in order to address recent market developments and notably the stronger position of global platforms of distribution in comparison to national broadcasters traditionally investing in the production of european works . __________________ 16 com 594 final 17 com / 2016 / 0287 final ### union intervention is needed in the audiovisual sector to accompany the union’s digital single market policies . this concerns notably the modernisation of the copyright framework and the proposed regulation on online transmissions of broadcasting organisations16 , as well as the proposal to amend directive 2010 / 13 / eu of the european parliament and of the council17 . they seek to strengthen the capacity of european audiovisual players to create , finance , produce and disseminate works that can be sufficiently visible on the different media of communication available and attractive to audiences in a more open and competitive market within europe and beyond . support should be scaled up in order to address recent market developments and notably the stronger position of global platforms of distribution in comparison to national broadcasters traditionally investing in the production of european works . __________________ 16 com 594 final 17 com / 2016 / 0287 final


### the programme should take into account the dual nature of the cultural and creative sectors , recognising , on the one hand , the intrinsic and artistic value of culture and , on the other , the economic value of those sectors , including their broader contribution to growth and competitiveness , creativity and innovation . this requires strong european cultural and creative sectors , in particular a vibrant european audiovisual industry , taking into account its capacity to reach large audiences and its economic importance , including for other creative sectors as well as cultural tourism . however , competition in global audiovisual markets has been further intensified by the deepening digital disruption e . g . changes in media production , consumption and the growing position of global platforms in the distribution of content . therefore , there is a need to step - up the support to the european industry . ### the programme should take into account the multiple nature of the cultural and creative sectors , recognising , on the one hand , the intrinsic and artistic value of culture and , on the other , the social and economic value of those sectors , including their broader contribution to intercultural dialogue , social cohesion , growth and competitiveness , creativity and innovation . this requires strong european cultural and creative sectors , in particular a vibrant european audiovisual industry , taking into account its capacity to reach large audiences and its economic importance , including for other creative sectors as well as cultural tourism . however , competition in global audiovisual markets has been further intensified by the deepening digital disruption e . g . changes in media production , consumption and the growing position of global platforms in the distribution of content . therefore , there is a need to step - up the support to the european industry


### support to cultural and creative organisations to operate at international level ; ### support to cultural and creative operators , organisations and smes to operate at international level to help them expand their activity on foreign markets , in particular showcasing the european culture - based creativity in cross innovation and promoting activities beyond the countries participating in the creative europe programme ;


### promoting policy cooperation and innovative actions supporting all strands of the programme , including the promotion of a diverse and pluralistic media environment , media literacy and social inclusion . ### promoting policy cooperation and innovative actions supporting all strands of the programme , including the promotion of a diverse , free and pluralistic media environment , media literacy , digital skills , gender equality , active citizenship and social inclusion .


### the european film academy ; ### the european film academy in the context of cooperation with the european parliament in organising the lux film prize and on the basis of a cooperation agreement negotiated between and signed by the two parties ; until such time as the cooperation agreement has been concluded , the relevant appropriations shall be placed in the reserve ;


### the interim evaluation of the programme shall be performed once there is sufficient information available about the implementation of the programme , but no later than four years after the start of the programme implementation . ### the mid - term review of the programme shall be performed not later than 30 june 2024 . the commission shall submit the mid - term evaluation report to the european parliament and to the council by 31 december 2024 . the commission shall submit , where necessary and on the basis of the mid - term review , a legislative proposal to revise this regulation .


### to enhance theatrical and online distribution and provide wider access across borders to european audiovisual works , including through innovative business models and the use of new technologies ; ### to enhance the transnational and international circulation , online and offline distribution , and theatrical distribution of european audiovisual works in the new digital environment ;


### the programme should take into account the dual nature of the cultural and creative sectors , recognising , on the one hand , the intrinsic and artistic value of culture and , on the other , the economic value of those sectors , including their broader contribution to growth and competitiveness , creativity and innovation . this requires strong european cultural and creative sectors , in particular a vibrant european audiovisual industry , taking into account its capacity to reach large audiences and its economic importance , including for other creative sectors as well as cultural tourism . however , competition in global audiovisual markets has been further intensified by the deepening digital disruption e . g . changes in media production , consumption and the growing position of global platforms in the distribution of content . therefore , there is a need to step - up the support to the european industry . ### the programme should take into account the multiple nature of the cultural and creative sectors , recognising , on the one hand , the intrinsic and artistic value of culture and , on the other , the social and economic value of those sectors . culture contributes significantly to intercultural dialogue and understanding , social cohesion , cultural development , sustainable growth and competitiveness , creation and creativity , innovation and knowledge generation . this requires strong european cultural and creative sectors , both in the for - profit and not - for - profit domains . this also requires a vibrant european audiovisual and music industry , taking into account its capacity to reach large audiences and its economic importance , including for other creative sectors as well as cultural tourism . however , competition in global audiovisual markets has been further intensified by the deepening digital disruption e . g . changes in media production , consumption and the growing position of global platforms in the distribution of content . therefore , there is a need to step - up the support to the european industry , while providing equal support to the rest of the cultural and creative sectors .


### to set up and support programme desks to promote , the programme in their country and to stimulate cross - border cooperation within the cultural and creative sectors . ### to set up and support active involvement of programme desks to promote the programme in their country , including through network activities on the ground , and to stimulate cross - border cooperation within the cultural and creative sectors .


### the promotion of european cultural diversity depends on the existence of flourishing and resilient cultural and creative sectors , able to create , produce and distribute their works to a large and diverse european audience . this thereby enlarges their business potential and contributes to sustainable growth and jobs creation . in addition , promotion of creativity contributes to boosting competitiveness and sparkling innovation in the industrial value chains . in spite of recent progress , the european cultural and creative market continues to be fragmented along national and linguistic lines , which do not allow the cultural and creative sectors to fully benefit from the european single market and the digital single market in particular . ### the promotion of european cultural diversity and common roots is based on the freedom of artistic expression , the capability and competences of artists and cultural operators , the existence of flourishing and resilient cultural and creative sectors , able to create , produce and distribute their works to a large and diverse european audience . this thereby enlarges their business potential and contributes to sustainable growth and jobs creation . in addition , promotion of creativity contributes to boosting competitiveness and sparkling innovation in the industrial value chains . in spite of recent progress , the european cultural and creative market continues to be fragmented along national and linguistic lines , which do not allow the cultural and creative sectors to fully benefit from the european single market and the digital single market in particular .


### the following entities may be awarded grants without a call for proposal : ### the following entities may be awarded grants without a call for proposal , on the basis of specific missions and objectives to be defined by the commission and assessed regularly :


### to strengthen european identity and values through cultural awareness , arts education and culture - based creativity in education ; ### to strengthen european identity and values through cultural awareness , heritage , expression , critical thinking , arts education and culture - based creativity in formal , non - formal and informal lifelong education ; and a wider approach to arts and culture education and artistic research , progressing from stem to a steam paradigm


### ' cultural and creative sectors ' means all sectors whose activities are based on cultural values or artistic and other individual or collective creative expressions . the activities may include the development , the creation , the production , the dissemination and the preservation of goods and services which embody cultural , artistic or other creative expressions , as well as related functions such as education or management . they will have a potential to generate innovation and jobs in particular from intellectual property . the sectors include architecture , archives , libraries and museums , artistic crafts , audiovisual , tangible and intangible cultural heritage , design , festivals , music , literature , performing arts , books and publishing , radio , and visual arts ; ### ' cultural and creative sectors ' means all sectors whose activities are based on cultural values or artistic and other individual or collective creative expressions and practices , whether those activities are market or non - market oriented . the activities may include the research and development , the creation , the production , the dissemination and the preservation of practices , goods and services which embody cultural , artistic or other creative expressions , as well as related functions such as education or management . they are expected to have a potential to generate innovation and jobs in particular from intellectual property . the sectors include architecture , archives , libraries and museums , artistic crafts , audiovisual , tangible and intangible cultural heritage , design , festivals , music , literature , performing arts , books and publishing , radio , and visual arts ;


### to increase cultural participation across europe ; ### to increase cultural access , participation and audience engagement across europe ;


### –up to eur 160 000 000 for the activities referred to in article 3 . ### –up to 9 % for the activities referred to in article 3 with at least eur 42 million being allocated to creative europe desks .


### the promotion of european cultural diversity depends on the existence of flourishing and resilient cultural and creative sectors , able to create , produce and distribute their works to a large and diverse european audience . this thereby enlarges their business potential and contributes to sustainable growth and jobs creation . in addition , promotion of creativity contributes to boosting competitiveness and sparkling innovation in the industrial value chains . in spite of recent progress , the european cultural and creative market continues to be fragmented along national and linguistic lines , which do not allow the cultural and creative sectors to fully benefit from the european single market and the digital single market in particular . ### the promotion of european cultural diversity depends on the existence of flourishing and resilient cultural and creative sectors , able to create , produce and distribute their works to a large and diverse european audience . this thereby enlarges their business potential and contributes to sustainable growth and jobs creation . in addition , promotion of creativity contributes to boosting competitiveness and sparkling innovation in the industrial value chains . in spite of recent progress regarding assistance for translation and subtitling , the european cultural and creative market continues to be fragmented along national and linguistic lines , which do not allow the cultural and creative sectors to fully benefit from the european single market and the digital single market in particular .


### cooperation projects ; ### transnational cooperation projects with a distinction between micro , small and large scale projects with special support to micro and small - sized cultural organisations to undertake sectoral and cross - sectoral activities ;


### to support cross - sectoral transnational policy cooperation including on the role of culture for social inclusion and promote the knowledge of the programme and support the transferability of results ; ### to support cross - sectoral transnational policy cooperation including on the role of culture for social inclusion , in particular for persons with disabilities , and promote the knowledge of the programme and support the transferability of results ;


### to promote european cooperation on cultural and linguistic diversity and heritage ; ### to promote european cooperation on cultural and linguistic diversity and shared tangible and intangible european heritage ;


### since its creation , the european union youth orchestra has developed a unique expertise in promoting intercultural dialogue , mutual respect and understanding through culture . the particularity of the european union youth orchestra lies in the fact that it is a european orchestra that transcends cultural boundaries and is composed of young musicians selected in accordance with demanding artistic criteria through a rigorous annual audition process in all member states . therefore , it should be eligible for direct union support . ### since its creation , the european union youth orchestra has developed a unique expertise in promoting rich european musical heritage , access to music and intercultural dialogue , mutual respect and understanding through culture . its contribution has been recognised by member states and by union institutions , including by successive presidents of the commission and of the european parliament . the particularity of the european union youth orchestra lies in the fact that it is a european orchestra that transcends cultural boundaries and is composed of young musicians selected in accordance with demanding artistic criteria through a rigorous annual audition process in all member states . therefore , it should be eligible for direct union support on the basis of specific missions and objectives to be defined by the commission and assessed regularly .


### support to architecture and cultural heritage sectors : targeted actions for the mobility of operators , capacity - building , audience development and internationalization of the cultural heritage and architecture sectors , promotion of baukultur , support to the safeguarding , conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage and its values through awareness - raising , networking and peer - to - peer learning activities ; ### support to the cultural heritage sector including architecture : targeted actions for establishing standards as open , accessible and permanent hubs for their communities , providing research , regenerating life spaces , supporting the mobility of operators , capacity - building and entrepreneurship , supporting sharing of the professional knowledge for artisans and craftsmen and the development of common high quality standards for the sector , audience engagement and internationalization of the cultural heritage support to the safeguarding , conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage and its values at european and international level through awareness - raising , networking , peer - to - peer learning activities and mentoring ;


### 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 , this fund will contribute to mainstream climate action in the union ' s policies and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the fund ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of its mid - term evaluation . ### 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 , this fund will contribute to mainstream climate action in the union ' s policies and to the achievement of an overall target of 30 % of the eu budget expenditures supporting climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the fund ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of its mid - term evaluation .


### it shall apply from 25 may 2018 . ### it shall apply from 25 november 2018 .


### a clear and prominent notice is displayed informing of , at least , the modalities of the collection , its purpose , the person responsible for it and the other information required under article 13 of regulation 2016 / 679 where personal data are collected , as well as any measure the end - user of the terminal equipment can take to stop or minimise the collection . ### a clear and prominent notice is displayed in the public space as a warning , additionally information is sent to terminal equipment providing the end - user with an option of informed consent , as well as with additional information regarding the modalities of the collection , its purpose , the person responsible for it and the other information required under article 13 of regulation 2016 / 679 where personal data are collected , as well as any measure the end - user of the terminal equipment can take to stop or minimise the collection .


### the principles of data protection by design and by default were codified under article 25 of regulation 2016 / 679 . currently , the default settings for cookies are set in most current browsers to ‘ accept all cookies’ . therefore providers of software enabling the retrieval and presentation of information on the internet should have an obligation to configure the software so that it offers the option to prevent third parties from storing information on the terminal equipment ; this is often presented as ‘ reject third party cookies’ . end - users should be offered a set of privacy setting options , ranging from higher to lower and intermediate . such privacy settings should be presented in a an easily visible and intelligible manner . ### the principles of data protection by design and by default were codified under article 25 of regulation 2016 / 679 . currently , the default settings for cookies are set in most current browsers to ‘ accept all cookies’ . therefore providers of software enabling the retrieval and presentation of information on the internet should have an obligation to configure the software so that it offers the option to prevent third parties from storing information on the terminal equipment ; this is often presented as ‘ reject third party cookies’ . end - users should be offered a set of privacy setting options , ranging from higher to lower and two intermediate . such privacy settings should be presented in a an easily visible and intelligible manner .


### this regulation applies to the processing of electronic communications data carried out in connection with the provision and the use of electronic communications services and to information related to the terminal equipment of end - users . ### this regulation applies to the processing of electronic communications data carried out when making available and utilizing electronic communications services , network services , and to information related to the terminal equipment of end - users .


### regardless of whether the calling end - user has prevented the presentation of the calling line identification , where a call is made to emergency services , providers of publicly available number - based interpersonal communications services shall override the elimination of the presentation of the calling line identification and the denial or absence of consent of an end - user for the processing of metadata , on a per - line basis for organisations dealing with emergency communications , including public safety answering points , for the purpose of responding to such communications . ### regardless of whether the calling end - user has prevented the presentation of the calling line identification , where a call is made to emergency services , providers of publicly available number - based interpersonal communications services shall override the elimination of the presentation of the calling line identification , on a per - line basis for organisations dealing with emergency communications , including public safety answering points , for the purpose of responding to such communications .


### accessing electronic communications networks requires the regular emission of certain data packets in order to discover or maintain a connection with the network or other devices on the network . furthermore , devices must have a unique address assigned in order to be identifiable on that network . wireless and cellular telephone standards similarly involve the emission of active signals containing unique identifiers such as a mac address , the imei , the imsi etc . a single wireless base station , such as a wireless access point , has a specific range within which such information may be captured . service providers have emerged who offer tracking services based on the scanning of equipment related information with diverse functionalities , including people counting , providing data on the number of people waiting in line , ascertaining the number of people in a specific area , etc . this information may be used for more intrusive purposes , such as to send commercial messages to end - users , for example when they enter stores , with personalized offers . while some of these functionalities do not entail high privacy risks , others do , for example , those involving the tracking of individuals over time , including repeated visits to specified locations . providers engaged in such practices should display prominent notices located on the edge of the area of coverage informing end - users prior to entering the defined area that the technology is in operation within a given perimeter , the purpose of the tracking , the person responsible for it and the existence of any measure the end - user of the terminal equipment can take to minimize or stop the collection . additional information should be provided where personal data are collected pursuant to article 13 of regulation 2016 / 679 . ### accessing electronic communications networks requires the regular emission of certain data packets in order to discover or maintain a connection with the network or other devices on the network . furthermore , devices must have a unique address assigned in order to be identifiable on that network . wireless and cellular telephone standards similarly involve the emission of active signals containing unique identifiers such as a mac address , the imei , the imsi etc . a single wireless base station , such as a wireless access point , has a specific range within which such information may be captured . service providers have emerged who offer tracking services based on the scanning of equipment related information with diverse functionalities , including people counting , providing data on the number of people waiting in line , ascertaining the number of people in a specific area , etc . this information may be used for more intrusive purposes , such as to send commercial messages to end - users , for example when they enter stores , with personalized offers . while some of these functionalities do not entail high privacy risks , others do , for example , those involving the tracking of individuals over time , including repeated visits to specified locations . providers engaged in such practices should not only display prominent notices in public spaces , located on the edge of the area of coverage , but also send information to the terminal equipment , informing end - users prior to entering the defined area that the technology is in operation within a given perimeter , the purpose of the tracking , the person responsible for it and the existence of any measure the end - user of the terminal equipment can take to minimize or stop the collection . additional information should be provided where personal data are collected pursuant to article 13 of regulation 2016 / 679 .


### the providers of a publicly available directory shall inform end - users who are natural persons whose personal data are in the directory of the available search functions of the directory and obtain end - users’ consent before enabling such search functions related to their own data . ### the providers of a publicly available directory shall inform end - users who are natural persons acting out of their business capacity whose personal data are in the directory of the available search functions of the directory . providers of number - based interpersonal communication services and electronic communication providers shall obtain end - users’ consent before enabling such search functions related to their own data .


### the methods used for providing information and obtaining end - user ' s consent should be as user - friendly as possible . given the ubiquitous use of tracking cookies and other tracking techniques , end - users are increasingly requested to provide consent to store such tracking cookies in their terminal equipment . as a result , end - users are overloaded with requests to provide consent . the use of technical means to provide consent , for example , through transparent and user - friendly settings , may address this problem . therefore , this regulation should provide for the possibility to express consent by using the appropriate settings of a browser or other application . the choices made by end - users when establishing its general privacy settings of a browser or other application should be binding on , and enforceable against , any third parties . web browsers are a type of software application that permits the retrieval and presentation of information on the internet . other types of applications , such as the ones that permit calling and messaging or provide route guidance , have also the same capabilities . web browsers mediate much of what occurs between the end - user and the website . from this perspective , they are in a privileged position to play an active role to help the end - user to control the flow of information to and from the terminal equipment . more particularly web browsers may be used as gatekeepers , thus helping end - users to prevent information from their terminal equipment from being accessed or stored . ### the methods used for providing information and obtaining end - user ' s consent should be as user - friendly as possible . given the ubiquitous use of tracking cookies and other tracking techniques , end - users are increasingly requested to provide consent to store such tracking cookies in their terminal equipment . as a result , end - users are overloaded with requests to provide consent . the use of technical means to provide consent , for example , through transparent and user - friendly settings , may address this problem . therefore , this regulation should provide for the possibility to express consent by using the appropriate settings of a browser or other application . the choices made by end - users when establishing its general privacy settings of a browser or other application should be binding on , and enforceable against , any third parties . additionally , information related to the third parties having access to the data or metadata of the end user , should be communicated when providing consent . any change related to that information should be communicated and be available at all times to the end user . the use of personal data and metadata by third parties should be subject to monitoring , which would include transparent procedures to notify the end user of the third parties that may use their personal data and severe financial penalties in case of personal data misuse . web browsers are a type of software application that permits the retrieval and presentation of information on the internet . other types of applications , such as the ones that permit calling and messaging or provide route guidance , have also the same capabilities . web browsers mediate much of what occurs between the end - user and the website . from this perspective , they are in a privileged position to play an active role to help the end - user to control the flow of information to and from the terminal equipment . more particularly web browsers may be used as gatekeepers , thus helping end - users to prevent information from their terminal equipment from being accessed or stored .


### protection of information stored in and related to end - users’ terminal equipment ### protection of information transmitted to , stored in , restored from or processed in any other way relative to terminal equipment


### directive 2002 / 58 / ec is repealed with effect from 25 may 2018 . ### directive 2002 / 58 / ec is repealed with effect from 25 november 2018 .


### by 1 january 2018 at the latest , the commission shall establish a detailed programme for monitoring the effectiveness of this regulation . ### by 1 june 2018 at the latest , the commission shall establish a detailed programme for monitoring the effectiveness of this regulation .


### electronic communications data shall be confidential . any interference with electronic communications data , such as by listening , tapping , storing , monitoring , scanning or other kinds of interception , surveillance or processing of electronic communications data , by persons other than the end - users , shall be prohibited , except when permitted by this regulation . ### electronic communications data shall be confidential , regardless of whether the communication involves natural or legal persons . any interference with electronic communications inactive data that is stored physically in any digital form , or data in motion , such as by listening , tapping , storing , monitoring , scanning or other kinds of interception , surveillance or processing of electronic communications data , by persons other than the sender or intended recipients , shall be prohibited , except when permitted by this regulation .


### under its specific competences and tasks as laid down in article 4 of regulation 2016 / 794 of the european parliament and of the council16 , europol provides support to member states’ cross - border investigations into the money laundering activities of transnational criminal organisations . according to regulation 2016 / 794 , the europol national units are the liaison bodies between europol and the member states ' authorities competent to investigate criminal offences . to provide europol with the information necessary to carry out its tasks , member states should provide that their financial intelligence unit replies to requests for financial information and financial analysis made by europol through the respective europol national unit . member states should also provide that their europol national unit replies to requests for information on bank accounts by europol . requests made by europol have to be duly justified . they have to be made on a case - by case basis , within the limits of europol ' s responsibilities and for the performance of its tasks . _________________ 16 regulation 2016 / 794 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 may 2016 on the european union agency for law enforcement cooperation and replacing and repealing council decisions 2009 / 371 / jha , 2009 / 934 / jha , 2009 / 935 / jha , 2009 / 936 / jha and 2009 / 968 / jha , oj l 135 , 24 . 5 . 2016 , p . 53 . ### under its specific competences and tasks as laid down in article 4 of regulation 2016 / 794 of the european parliament and of the council16 , europol provides support to member states’ cross - border investigations into the money laundering activities of transnational criminal organisations . according to regulation 2016 / 794 , the europol national units are the liaison bodies between europol and the member states ' authorities competent to investigate criminal offences . to provide europol with the information necessary to carry out its tasks , member states should provide that their financial intelligence unit is entitled to reply to requests for financial information and financial analysis made by europol through the respective europol national unit . member states should also provide that their europol national unit is entitled to reply to requests for information on bank accounts by europol . requests made by europol have to be duly justified . they have to be made on a case - by case basis , within the limits of europol ' s responsibilities and for the performance of its tasks . _________________ 16 regulation 2016 / 794 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 may 2016 on the european union agency for law enforcement cooperation and replacing and repealing council decisions 2009 / 371 / jha , 2009 / 934 / jha , 2009 / 935 / jha , 2009 / 936 / jha and 2009 / 968 / jha , oj l 135 , 24 . 5 . 2016 , p . 53 .


### the processing of information revealing a person ' s race or ethnic origin , political opinions , religion or philosophical beliefs , trade union membership , health , sexual life or sexual orientation may only be allowed to the extent that it is strictly necessary and relevant in a specific case ### the processing of personal data revealing a person ' s race or ethnic origin , political opinions , religious or philosophical beliefs , trade union membership , data concerning health , or data concerning a natural person ' s sex life or sexual orientation shall only be allowed in accordance with article 10 of directive 2016 / 680 .


### each member state shall ensure that its financial intelligence unit is enabled to exchange financial information or financial analysis with any financial intelligence unit in the union where that financial information or financial analysis is necessary for the prevention and combating of money laundering , associate predicate offences and terrorist financing . ### each member state shall ensure that its financial intelligence unit is enabled to exchange financial information with any financial intelligence unit in the union where that financial information is necessary for the prevention and combating of money laundering , associate predicate offences and terrorist financing in accordance with article 53 directive 2015 / 849 .


### member states shall ensure that where a financial intelligence unit is requested pursuant to paragraph 1 to exchange financial information or financial analysis , it shall do so as soon as possible and in any case no later than three days after the receipt of the request . in exceptional , duly justified cases , this time limit may be extended by a maximum of 10 days . ### member states shall ensure that where a financial intelligence unit is requested pursuant to paragraph 1 to exchange financial information that are already in its possession , it shall do so as soon as possible and in any case no later than three days after the receipt of the request . in exceptional , duly justified cases , this time limit may be extended by a maximum of 10 days .


### in order to enhance security in the member states and across the union , it is necessary to improve access to information by financial intelligence units and public authorities responsible for the prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of serious forms of crimes , to enhance their ability to conduct financial investigations and to improve cooperation between them . ### in order to enhance security in the member states and across the union , it is necessary to improve access to information by financial intelligence units and public authorities responsible for the prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of particularly serious forms of crime that endanger national and international security to enhance their ability to conduct financial investigations and to improve cooperation between them .


### ' financial information ' means any type of information or data which is held by financial intelligence units to prevent , detect and effectively combat money laundering and terrorist financing , or any type of information or data which is held by public authorities or by obliged entities for those purposes and which is available to financial intelligence units without the taking of coercive measures under national law ; ### ' financial information ' means information or data on financial assets , movements of funds , financial business relationships which is already held by financial intelligence units pursuant to directive 2015 / 849 , to prevent detect and effectively combat money laundering and terrorist financing , or any type of information or data which is held by public authorities or by obliged entities for those purposes and which is available to financial intelligence units without the taking of coercive measures under national law ;


### the additional information that member states may deem essential and include in the centralised bank account registries in accordance with article 32a of directive 2018 / xx / eu shall not be accessible and searchable by competent authorities according to this directive . ### the additional information that member states may deem essential and include in the centralised bank account registries in accordance with article 32a of directive 2018 / xx / eu shall not be accessible and searchable by competent authorities on the basis of this directive .


### member states shall ensure that , in exceptional and urgent cases , and by way of derogation from paragraph 2 , where a financial intelligence unit is requested pursuant to paragraph 1 to exchange financial information or financial analysis already in its possession that relates to specific investigations concerning an act or conduct qualified as a serious criminal offence , a financial intelligence unit shall provide that information or analysis no later than 24 hours after the receipt of the request . ### member states shall ensure that , in exceptional and urgent cases , and by way of derogation from paragraph 2 , where a financial intelligence unit is requested pursuant to paragraph 1 to exchange financial information already in its possession that relates to specific investigations concerning an act or conduct qualified as a serious criminal offence , a financial intelligence unit shall provide that information no later than 48 hours after the receipt of the request .


### member states shall ensure that the access and search by competent authorities is supported by technical and organisational measures ensuring the security of the data . ### member states shall ensure that the access and search by competent authorities is supported by technical and organisational measures ensuring the security of the data according to the highest technological standards available .


### each member state shall ensure that its europol national unit replies to duly justified requests related to bank account information made by the agency for law enforcement cooperation established by regulation 2016 / 794 of the european parliament and of the council on a case - by - case basis within the limits of its responsibilities and for the performance of its tasks . ### each member state shall ensure that its europol national unit is entitled to reply to duly justified requests related to bank account information or to financial information provided by the fiu made by the agency for law enforcement cooperation established by regulation 2016 / 794 of the european parliament and of the council on a case - by - case basis within the limits of its responsibilities and for the performance of its tasks . exemptions and conditions provided for under articles 32 , 53 and 54 of directive 2015 / 849 shall apply . article 7 of regulation 2016 / 794 shall apply .


### subject to national procedural safeguards , each member state shall ensure that its national financial intelligence unit is required to reply to requests for financial information or financial analysis by its designated competent authorities referred to in article 3 , where that financial information or financial analysis is necessary , on a case - by - case basis , for the prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of serious criminal offences . ### subject to national procedural safeguards , each member state shall ensure that its national financial intelligence unit is required to reply , in a timely manner , to requests for financial information by its designated competent authorities referred to in article 3 , where that financial information can be obtained by the requesting competent authorities in accordance with the applicable law and regulation , is necessary , on a case - by - case basis , for the prevention , detection , investigation or prosecution of serious criminal offences and cannot be accessed through direct means .


### in order to enhance legal certainty and operational effectiveness , this directive should lay down rules to strengthen the financial intelligence units ' ability to share information with their designated competent authorities for all serious criminal offences . ### in order to enhance legal certainty and operational effectiveness , this directive should lay down rules to strengthen the financial intelligence units ' ability to share information with their designated competent authorities for all serious criminal offences with highly dangerous consequences in terms of peace , security and law and order .


### the interim evaluation of the programme shall be performed once there is sufficient information available about the implementation of the programme , but no later than four years after the start of the programme implementation . ### the interim evaluation of the programme shall be performed once there is sufficient information available about the implementation of the programme , but no later than four years after the start of the programme implementation . that interim evaluation shall , where necessary , be accompanied by a proposal for an amendment of this regulation .


### ' strategic nature projects ' means projects that support the achievement of union nature and biodiversity objectives by implementing coherent programmes of action in the member states to mainstream these objectives and priorities into other policies and financing instruments , including through coordinated implementation of the priority action frameworks established pursuant to directive 92 / 43 / eec ; ### ' strategic nature projects ' means projects that support the achievement of union nature and biodiversity objectives by implementing coherent programmes of action in the member states , at national , regional and local level , to mainstream these objectives and priorities into other policies and financing instruments , including through coordinated implementation of the priority action frameworks established pursuant to directive 92 / 43 / eec ;


### to develop , demonstrate and promote innovative techniques and approaches for reaching the objectives of the union legislation and policy on environment and climate action , including the transition to clean energy , and to contribute to the application of best practice in relation to nature and biodiversity ; ### to develop , demonstrate and promote innovative techniques and approaches for reaching the objectives of the union legislation and policy on environment and climate action , including the transition to clean energy , and to contribute and support the application of best practice in relation to nature and biodiversity and sustainable farming and food systems ;


### the union ' s long - term objective for air policy is to achieve levels of air quality that do not cause significant negative impacts on and risks to human health . public awareness about air pollution is high and citizens expect authorities to act . directive 2016 / 2284 of the european parliament and of the council26 stresses the role union funding can play in achieving clean air objectives . therefore , the programme should support projects , including strategic integrated projects , which have the potential to leverage public and private funds , to be showcases of good practice and catalysts for the implementation of air quality plans and legislation at local , regional , multi - regional , national and trans - national level . _________________ 26 directive 2016 / 2284 of the european parliament and of the council of 14 december 2016 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants , amending directive 2003 / 35 / ec and repealing directive 2001 / 81 / ec . ### the union ' s long - term objective for air policy is to achieve levels of air quality that do not cause significant negative impacts on and risks to human health . public awareness about air pollution is high and citizens expect authorities to act . directive 2016 / 2284 of the european parliament and of the council26 stresses the role union funding can play in achieving clean air objectives . therefore , the programme should support projects , including strategic integrated projects , which have the potential to leverage public and private funds , to be showcases of good practice and catalysts for the implementation of air quality plans and legislation at local , regional , multi - regional , national and trans - national level . these efforts to improve air quality should be consistent with the greenhouse gas lowering requirements and the long term need to decarbonise the european economy , gradually replacing fossil - based energy infrastructures with infrastructures based on renewable energy sources , where technically possible . _________________ 26 directive 2016 / 2284 of the european parliament and of the council of 14 december 2016 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants , amending directive 2003 / 35 / ec and repealing directive 2001 / 81 / ec .


### projects financed by the programme shall avoid undermining environmental , climate or relevant clean energy objectives of the programme and , where possible , shall promote the use of green public procurement ; ### projects financed by the programme shall contribute to environmental , climate or relevant clean energy objectives of the programme and , whenever possible , shall promote the use of green public procurement ;


### the voluntary scheme for biodiversity and ecosystem services in territories of european overseas promotes the conservation of biodiversity , including marine biodiversity , and sustainable use of ecosystem services , including ecosystem - based approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation , in the union ' s outermost regions and overseas countries and territories . best has helped to raise awareness for the ecological importance of the outermost regions and overseas countries and territories for conserving global biodiversity . in their ministerial declarations in 2017 and 2018 , overseas countries and territories have expressed their appreciation for this small grant scheme for biodiversity . it is appropriate to allow the programme to continue financing small grants for biodiversity in both the outermost regions and the overseas countries and territories . ### the voluntary scheme for biodiversity and ecosystem services in territories of european overseas promotes the conservation of biodiversity , including marine biodiversity , and sustainable use of ecosystem services , including ecosystem - based approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation , in the union ' s outermost regions and overseas countries and territories . best has helped to raise awareness for the ecological importance of the outermost regions and overseas countries and territories for conserving global biodiversity . in their ministerial declarations in 2017 and 2018 , overseas countries and territories have expressed their appreciation for this small grant scheme for biodiversity . it is therefore necessary to make it sustainable by integrating it into the life programme and ensuring ambitious financial resources for its budget . the programme must continue financing small grants for biodiversity in both the outermost regions and the overseas countries and territories , thus giving effect to the union’s responsibility towards those areas , guaranteeing the pursuit of the union’s environmental objectives , and contributing to social and territorial cohesion . this scheme does not replace other funding for outermost regions under the life programme .


### ' strategic nature projects ' means projects that support the achievement of union nature and biodiversity objectives by implementing coherent programmes of action in the member states to mainstream these objectives and priorities into other policies and financing instruments , including through coordinated implementation of the priority action frameworks established pursuant to directive 92 / 43 / eec ; ### ' strategic nature projects ' means projects that support the achievement of union nature and biodiversity objectives , laid down in particular in directive 2009 / 147 / ec and council directive 92 / 43 / eec , by implementing coherent programmes of action in the member states to mainstream these objectives and priorities into other policies and financing instruments , including through coordinated implementation of the priority action frameworks established pursuant to directive 92 / 43 / eec ;


### the improvement of governance on environmental , climate change and related clean energy transition matters requires involvement of civil society by raising public awareness , consumer engagement , and broadening of stakeholder involvement , including non - governmental organisations , in consultation on and implementation of related policies . ### the improvement of governance on environmental , climate change and related clean energy transition matters requires involvement of civil society by raising public awareness , including through a communication strategy that takes into account the new media and social networks , increases consumer engagement and broadens stakeholder involvement , including non - governmental organisations , in consultation on and implementation of related policies .


### halting and reversing biodiversity loss , including in marine ecosystems , requires support for the development , implementation , enforcement and assessment of relevant union legislation and policy , including the eu biodiversity strategy to 202022 , council directive 92 / 43 / eec23 and directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council24 and regulation 1143 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council25 , in particular by developing the knowledge base for policy development and implementation and by developing , testing , demonstrating and applying best practices and solutions on small scale or tailored to specific local , regional or national contexts , including integrated approaches for the implementation of the prioritised action frameworks prepared on the basis of directive 92 / 43 / eec . the union should track its biodiversity - related expenditure to fulfil its reporting obligations under the convention on biological diversity . requirements for tracking in other relevant union legislation should also be met . __________________ 22 com 244 final . 23 council directive 92 / 43 / eec of 21 may 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora . 24 directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 30 november 2009 on the conservation of wild birds . 25 regulation no 1143 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council of 22 october 2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species . ### halting and reversing biodiversity loss and the degradation of ecosystems , including in marine ecosystems , requires support for the development , implementation , enforcement and assessment of relevant union legislation and policy , including the eu biodiversity strategy to 202022 , council directive 92 / 43 / eec23 and directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council24 and regulation 1143 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council25 , in particular by developing the knowledge base for policy development and implementation and by developing , testing , demonstrating and applying best practices and solutions on small scale or tailored to specific local , regional or national contexts , including integrated approaches for the implementation of the prioritised action frameworks prepared on the basis of directive 92 / 43 / eec . the union and the member states should track their biodiversity - related expenditure to fulfil their reporting obligations under the convention on biological diversity . requirements for tracking in other relevant union legislation should also be met . __________________ 22 com 244 final . 23 council directive 92 / 43 / eec of 21 may 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora . 24 directive 2009 / 147 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 30 november 2009 on the conservation of wild birds . 25 regulation no 1143 / 2014 of the european parliament and of the council of 22 october 2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species .


### reflows from financial instruments established under regulation no 1293 / 2013 may be invested in the financial instruments established under [ investeu fund ] . ### reflows from financial instruments established under regulation no 1293 / 2013 shall be invested in the financial instruments related to the life programme established under [ investeu fund ] .


### the impact assessments of the clean energy legislation estimate that the delivery of the union ' s 2030 energy targets will require additional investments of eur 177 billion annually in the period 2021 - 2030 . the biggest gaps relate to the investments in buildings decarbonisation , where capital needs to be channelled towards projects of highly distributed nature . one of the objectives of the clean energy transition sub - programme is to build capacity for projects development and aggregation , thereby also helping to absorb funds from the european structural and investment funds and catalyse investments in clean energy also using the financial instruments provided under investeu . ### the impact assessments of the clean energy legislation estimate that the delivery of the commission proposed union ' s 2030 energy targets will require additional investments of eur 177 billion annually in the period 2021 - 2030 . these targets were raised by the co - legislators when finalising the renewable energy directive and the energy efficiency directive , in order to bring the union ' s targets closer to the union ' s commitments under the paris agreement . the biggest gaps relate to the investments in buildings decarbonisation , where capital needs to be channelled towards projects of a highly distributed nature , for example by promoting pilot projects based on small urban conglomerates . one of the objectives of the clean energy transition sub - programme is to build capacity for projects development and aggregation , thereby also helping to absorb funds from the european structural and investment funds and catalyse investments in clean energy also using the financial instruments provided under investeu .


### recent evaluations and assessments , including the mid - term review of the eu biodiversity strategy to 2020 and the fitness check of nature legislation , indicate that one of the main underlying causes for insufficient implementation of union nature legislation and of the biodiversity strategy is the lack of adequate financing . the main union funding instruments , including the [ european regional development fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development and the european maritime and fisheries fund ] , can make a significant contribution towards meeting those needs . the programme can further improve the efficiency of such mainstreaming through strategic nature projects dedicated to catalysing the implementation of union nature and biodiversity legislation and policy , including the actions set out in the priority action frameworks developed in accordance with directive 92 / 43 / eec . the strategic nature projects should support programmes of actions in member states for the mainstreaming of relevant nature and biodiversity objectives into other policies and financing programmes , thus ensuring that appropriate funds are mobilised for implementing these policies . member states could decide within their strategic plan for the common agricultural policy to use a certain share of the european agricultural fund for rural development allocation to leverage support for actions that complement the strategic nature projects as defined under this regulation . ### recent evaluations and assessments , including the mid - term review of the eu biodiversity strategy to 2020 and the fitness check of nature legislation , indicate that one of the main underlying causes for insufficient implementation of union nature legislation and of the biodiversity strategy is the lack of adequate financing and better coordination between governmental and scientific institutions . the main union funding instruments , including in particular the esi funds , namely the european regional development fund , the cohesion fund , the european agricultural fund for rural development and the european maritime and fisheries fund , can make a significant contribution towards meeting those needs . the programme must further improve the efficiency of such mainstreaming through strategic nature projects dedicated to sustainability and conservation and catalysing the implementation of union nature and biodiversity legislation and policy , including the actions set out in the priority action frameworks developed in accordance with directive 92 / 43 / eec . in many member states , a large proportion of ecosystems has been degraded ; restoration of ecosystems contributes to halting biodiversity loss , and safeguarding the ecosystem services that they provide . specific attention should be given to providing space for natural processes to restore and sustain ecosystems and stimulate partnerships with other economic sectors , such as forestry and water management in developing nature - based economies . the strategic nature projects should support programmes of actions in member states for the mainstreaming of relevant nature and biodiversity objectives into other policies and financing programmes , thus ensuring that appropriate funds are mobilised , with synergy between the various union funding instruments for implementing these policies , striking a balance between nature protection and local and regional development needs . member states and their regions could decide within their strategic plan for the common agricultural policy to use a certain share of the european agricultural fund for rural development allocation to leverage support for actions that complement the strategic nature projects as defined under this regulation .


### the voluntary scheme for biodiversity and ecosystem services in territories of european overseas promotes the conservation of biodiversity , including marine biodiversity , and sustainable use of ecosystem services , including ecosystem - based approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation , in the union ' s outermost regions and overseas countries and territories . best has helped to raise awareness for the ecological importance of the outermost regions and overseas countries and territories for conserving global biodiversity . in their ministerial declarations in 2017 and 2018 , overseas countries and territories have expressed their appreciation for this small grant scheme for biodiversity . it is appropriate to allow the programme to continue financing small grants for biodiversity in both the outermost regions and the overseas countries and territories . ### the voluntary scheme for biodiversity and ecosystem services in territories of european overseas promotes the conservation of biodiversity , including marine biodiversity , and sustainable use of ecosystem services , including ecosystem - based approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation , in the union ' s outermost regions and overseas countries and territories . through the best preparatory action adopted in 2011 and the subsequent best 2 . 0 and best rup programmes , best has helped to raise awareness for the ecological importance of the outermost regions and overseas countries and territories and their key role in conserving global biodiversity . through its support , 90 projects have been established , enabling the european union to give direct support to local stakeholders . 80% of european biodiversity is in european overseas countries and territories and the commission’s impact study estimates that the need for financial support for projects on the ground in these territories is eur 8 million per year . in their ministerial declarations in 2017 and 2018 , overseas countries and territories have expressed their appreciation for this small grant scheme for biodiversity . it is therefore appropriate to include the best initiative within this programme , including capacity building and the capitalisation of actions funded in both the outermost regions and the overseas countries and territories .


### the financial envelope for the implementation of the programme for the period 2021 - 2027 shall be eur 5 450 000 000 in current prices . ### the financial envelope for the implementation of the programme for the period 2021 - 2027 shall be eur 6 442 000 000 in 2018 prices .


### in the implementation of the programme due consideration should be given to the strategy for outermost regions30in view of article 349 tfeu and the specific needs and vulnerabilities of these regions . union policies other than environmental , climate and relevant clean energy transition policies should also be taken into account . _________________ 30 com 623 final ### in the implementation of the programme due consideration should be given to the strategy for outermost regions30 in view of article 349 tfeu and the specific needs and vulnerabilities of these regions . union policies other than environmental , climate , circular economy and relevant clean energy transition policies should also be taken into account . _________________ 30 com 623 final


### eur 3 500 000 000 for the field environment , of which ### eur 5 322 000 000 for the field environment , of which


### the programme shall be implemented by at least two multiannual work programmes referred to in article 110 of the financial regulation . work programmes shall set out , where applicable , the overall amount reserved for blending operations . ### the commission shall , by means of implementing acts , adopt two multiannual work programmes for the life programme . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 20a .


### the programme should prepare and support market players for the shift towards a clean , circular , energy - efficient , low - carbon and climate - resilient economy by testing new business opportunities , upgrading professional skills , facilitating consumers ' access to sustainable products and services , engaging and empowering influencers and testing novel methods to adapt the existing processes and business landscape . to support a broader market uptake of sustainable solutions , general public acceptance and consumer engagement should be promoted . ### the programme should prepare and support market players for the shift towards a clean , circular , energy - efficient , renewable energy based , low - carbon and climate - resilient economy by testing new business opportunities , upgrading professional skills , facilitating consumers ' access to sustainable products and services , engaging and empowering influencers and testing novel methods to adapt the existing processes and business landscape . to support a broader market uptake of sustainable solutions , general public acceptance and consumer engagement should be promoted . the final consuming sectors such as buildings , services , industry and transport should be included in the sub - programme clean energy transition to contribute to energy efficiency and renewable energy use .


### projects financed by the programme shall avoid undermining environmental , climate or relevant clean energy objectives of the programme and , where possible , shall promote the use of green public procurement ; ### projects financed by the life programme shall be of union interest by making a significant contribution to the achievement of and shall not undermine the general and specific objectives of the life programme referred to in article 3 and , where possible , shall promote the use of green public procurement ;


### at union level , large investments in environmental and climate actions are primarily funded by major union funding programmes . in the context of their catalytic role , strategic integrated projects and strategic nature projects to be developed under the programme should leverage financing opportunities under those funding programmes and other sources of funding such as national funds , and create synergies . ### at union level , large investments in environmental and climate actions are primarily funded by major union funding programmes , including the cohesion funds . in the context of their catalytic role , strategic integrated projects and strategic nature projects to be developed under the programme should leverage financing opportunities under those funding programmes and other sources of funding such as national funds , and create synergies .


### to support the development , implementation , monitoring and enforcement of the relevant union legislation and policy , including by improving governance through enhancing capacities of public and private actors and the involvement of civil society ; ### to support the development , implementation , monitoring and enforcement of the relevant union legislation and policy , whilst improving cooperation and communication , including by improving multi - level governance through enhancing capacities of public and private actors and the involvement of civil society , including at regional and local level ;


### this regulation establishes the programme for the environment and climate action . ### this regulation establishes the programme for the environment and climate action covering the period from 1 january 2021 to 31 december 2027 .


### to develop , demonstrate and promote innovative techniques and approaches for reaching the objectives of the union legislation and policy on environment and climate action , including the transition to clean energy , and to contribute to the application of best practice in relation to nature and biodiversity ; ### to develop , demonstrate and promote innovative techniques and approaches for reaching the objectives of the union legislation and policy on environment , including nature and biodiversity or climate action , including the transition to renewable energy or increased energy efficiency ;


### promoting the circular economy requires a mentality shift in the way of designing , producing , consuming and disposing of materials and products , including plastics . the programme should contribute to the transition to a circular economy model through financial support targeting a variety of actors , in particular by applying , developing , and replicating best technology , practices and solutions tailored to specific local , regional or national contexts , including through integrated approaches for the implementation of waste management and prevention plans . through supporting the implementation of the plastics strategy , action can be taken to address the problem of marine litter in particular . ### promoting the circular economy requires a mentality shift in the way of designing , producing , consuming and disposing of materials and products , including plastics . the programme should contribute to the transition to a circular economy model through financial support targeting a variety of actors , in particular by applying , developing , and replicating best technology , practices and solutions tailored to specific local , regional or national contexts , including through integrated territorial approaches for the implementation of waste management and prevention plans . through supporting the implementation of the plastics strategy , action can be taken to address the problem of marine litter in particular , thus contributing to the preservation of marine biodiversity .


### the commission shall communicate the conclusions of the evaluations accompanied by its observations , to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions . ### the commission shall communicate the conclusions of the evaluations accompanied by its observations , to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee and the committee of the regions . the commission shall make the results of the evaluations publicly available .


### the transition to clean energy is an essential contribution to the mitigation of climate change with co - benefits for the environment . actions for capacity building supporting the clean energy transition , funded until 2020 under horizon 2020 , should be integrated in the programme since their objective is not to fund excellence and generate innovation , but to facilitate the uptake of already available technology that will contribute to climate mitigation . the inclusion of these capacity building activities into the programme offers potential for synergies between the sub - programmes and increases the overall coherence of union funding . therefore , data should be collected and disseminated on the uptake of existing research and innovation solutions in the life projects , including from the horizon europe programme and its predecessors . ### the transition to clean energy is an essential contribution to the mitigation of climate change with co - benefits for the environment . actions for capacity building supporting the clean energy transition , funded until 2020 under horizon 2020 , should be integrated in the programme since their objective is to facilitate the uptake of already available technology , which will contribute to addressing environmental challenges , mitigating climate change and attaining the union’s environmental goals . the inclusion of these capacity building activities into the programme offers potential for synergies between the sub - programmes and increases the overall coherence of union funding . therefore , data should be collected and disseminated on the uptake of existing research and innovation solutions in the life projects , including from the horizon europe and other existing programmes and their predecessors .


### the general objective of the programme is to contribute to the shift towards a clean , circular , energy - efficient , low - carbon and climate - resilient economy , including through the transition to clean energy , to the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment and to halting and reversing biodiversity loss , thereby contributing to sustainable development . ### the general objective of the programme is to contribute to the shift towards a sustainable , clean , circular , energy and resource - efficient , low - carbon and climate - resilient economy , including through the transition to clean and renewable energy , to the protection , preservation and improvement of the quality of the environment and to halting and reversing biodiversity loss , thereby contributing to sustainable development and tackling climate change . the programme shall also support better environmental and climate governance at all levels , including the stronger involvement of local and regional authorities and civil society organisations .


### where appropriate , special regard shall be given to projects in geographical areas with specific needs or vulnerabilities , such as areas with specific environmental challenges or natural constraints , trans - border areas or outermost regions . ### where appropriate , special regard shall be given to projects in geographical areas with specific needs or vulnerabilities , such as areas with specific environmental challenges or natural constraints , trans - border areas or outermost regions and overseas countries and territories linked to european union member states . special attention should be paid to the issues of coastal erosion , coastal flooding and the protection of marine ecosystems .


### the general objective of the programme is to contribute to the shift towards a clean , circular , energy - efficient , low - carbon and climate - resilient economy , including through the transition to clean energy , to the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment and to halting and reversing biodiversity loss , thereby contributing to sustainable development . ### the general objective of the programme shall be to contribute to the shift towards a circular , energy - efficient , renewable energy - based , low - emissions , low - carbon and climate - resilient economy , to the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment and to halting and reversing biodiversity loss , including through supporting the implementation and management of the natura 2000 network and tackling the degradation of ecosystems , thereby contributing to sustainable development . the life programme shall also support the implementation of general action programmes on environment and climate policy adopted in accordance with article192 tfeu .


### it lays down the objectives of the programme , the budget for the period 2021 - 2027 , the forms of union funding and the rules for providing such funding . ### it lays down the objectives of the life programme , the budget for this period , the forms of union funding and the rules for providing such funding .


### award criteria shall be set out in the calls for proposals taking into account the following : ### the commission shall set out award criteria in the multiannual work programme referred to in article 17 and the calls for proposals taking into account the following principles :


### complying with the union ' s commitments under the paris agreement on climate change requires the transformation of the union into an energy efficient , low carbon and climate resilient society . this in turn requires actions , with a special focus on sectors that contribute most to the current levels of co2 output and pollution , contributing to the implementation of the 2030 energy and climate policy framework and the member states ' integrated national energy and climate plans and preparations for the union ' s mid - century and long - term climate and energy strategy . the programme should also include measures contributing to the implementation of the union ' s climate adaptation policy to decrease vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change . ### complying with the union ' s commitments under the paris agreement on climate change requires the transformation of the union into a circular - energy efficient , renewable energy based , low carbon and climate resilient society . this in turn requires actions , with a special focus on sectors that contribute most to the current levels of greenhouse gas output and pollution , contributing to the implementation of the 2030 european union objectives agreed in the climate and energy legislation and the member states ' integrated national energy and climate plans and preparations for the union ' s mid - century and long - term climate and energy strategy . the programme should also include measures contributing to the implementation of the union ' s climate adaptation policy to decrease vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change .


### this regulation establishes the programme for the environment and climate action . ### this regulation establishes a programme for the environment and climate action covering the period from 1 january 2021 to 31 december 2027 .


### complying with the union ' s commitments under the paris agreement on climate change requires the transformation of the union into an energy efficient , low carbon and climate resilient society . this in turn requires actions , with a special focus on sectors that contribute most to the current levels of co2 output and pollution , contributing to the implementation of the 2030 energy and climate policy framework and the member states ' integrated national energy and climate plans and preparations for the union ' s mid - century and long - term climate and energy strategy . the programme should also include measures contributing to the implementation of the union ' s climate adaptation policy to decrease vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change . ### complying with the union ' s commitments under the paris agreement on climate change requires the transformation of the union into a sustainable , circular , energy efficient , low - emission and climate resilient society . this in turn requires actions , with a special focus on sectors that contribute most to the current levels of greenhouse gas output and pollution , contributing to the implementation of the 2030 energy and climate policy framework and the member states ' integrated national energy and climate plans and implementation of the union ' s mid - century and long - term climate and energy strategy , in line with the decarbonisation objective of the paris agreement . the programme should also include measures contributing to the implementation of the union ' s climate adaptation policy to decrease vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change .


### in the event of a supply crisis , market players should be given sufficient opportunity to respond to the situation with market - based measures . where market measures have been exhausted and they are still insufficient , member states and their competent authorities should take measures to remove or mitigate the effects of the supply crisis . ### in the event of a supply crisis , market players should be given sufficient opportunity to respond to the situation with market - based measures . where market measures have not been timely , or have been exhausted and they are still insufficient , member states and their competent authorities should take measures to remove or mitigate the effects of the supply crisis .


### the technical , legal and financial arrangements for the application of paragraph 3 shall be agreed among the member states which are directly connected to each other and described in the emergency plans of their respective regions . such arrangements may cover , among others , gas prices to be applied , use of interconnectors , including bi - directional capacity , gas volumes and the coverage of compensation costs . market - based measures such as auctions shall be preferred for the implementation of the obligation laid down in paragraph 3 . in case the technical , legal and financial arrangements necessary to apply paragraph 3 are amended , the relevant emergency plan shall be updated accordingly . ### the technical , legal and financial arrangements for the application of paragraph 3 shall be agreed among the member states which are directly connected to each other and described in the emergency plans of their respective regions . for each of the regional groupings , the commission shall prepare a minimum framework for the proposed mechanisms , which will cover , among others , gas prices to be applied , use of interconnectors , including bi - directional capacity , gas volumes and the coverage of compensation costs . market - based measures such as auctions shall be preferred for the implementation of the obligation laid down in paragraph 3 . in case the technical , legal and financial arrangements necessary to apply paragraph 3 are amended , the relevant emergency plan shall be updated accordingly .


### in a spirit of solidarity , regional cooperation , involving both public authorities and natural gas undertakings , should be the guiding principle of this regulation , to identify the relevant risks in each region and optimise the benefits of coordinated measures to mitigate them and to implement the most cost - effective measures for union consumers . ### in a spirit of solidarity , regional cooperation , involving both public authorities and natural gas undertakings , should be the guiding principle of this regulation , to identify the relevant risks in each region and optimise the benefits of coordinated measures to mitigate them and to implement the most cost - effective measures for union consumers . regional cooperation should provide scope for improving the existing and developing new infrastructure projects so that cross - border interconnections enhance security of gas supply .


### the commission communication ‘ framework strategy for a resilient energy union with a forward - looking climate change policy’14 from february 2015 , highlights the fact that the energy union rests on solidarity and trust , which are necessary features of energy security . this regulation should aim to boost solidarity and trust between the member states and should put in place the measures needed to achieve these aims , thus paving the way for implementing the energy union . __________________ 14 communication from the commission to the european parliament and the council , the european economic and social committee , the committee of the regions and the european investment bank , com 80 final . ### the commission communication ‘ framework strategy for a resilient energy union with a forward - looking climate change policy’14 from february 2015 , highlights the fact that the energy union rests on solidarity and trust , which are necessary features of energy security . this regulation should aim to boost solidarity , trust and interconnections between the member states and should put in place the measures needed to achieve these aims , thus paving the way for implementing the energy union . __________________ 14 communication from the commission to the european parliament and the council , the european economic and social committee , the committee of the regions and the european investment bank , com 80 final .


### demand - side measures , such as fuel switching or reducing the gas supply to large industrial consumers in an economically efficient order , may have a valuable role to play in ensuring energy security , if they can be applied quickly and significantly reduce demand in response to a supply disruption . more should be done to promote efficient energy use , particularly where demand - side measures are needed . the environmental impact of any demand and supply - side measures proposed must be taken into account , with preference being given , as far as possible , to measures that have least impact on the environment . at the same time , security of supply and competitiveness aspects must be taken into account . ### demand - side measures , such as fuel switching or reducing the gas supply to large industrial consumers in an economically efficient order , may have a valuable role to play in ensuring energy security , if they can be applied quickly and significantly reduce demand in response to a supply disruption . more should be done to promote efficient energy use , particularly where demand - side measures are needed . priority should be given to investments aimed at exploiting the sustainable energy potential at local level . the environmental impact of any demand and supply - side measures proposed must be taken into account , with preference being given , as far as possible , to measures that have least impact on the environment . at the same time , security of supply and competitiveness aspects must be taken into account .


### an internal gas market that operates smoothly is the best guarantee of security of energy supply across the union and to reduce the exposure of individual member states to the harmful effects of supply disruptions . where a member state’s security of supply is threatened , there is a risk that measures developed unilaterally by that member state may jeopardise the proper functioning of the internal gas market and damage the gas supply to customers in other member states . to allow the internal gas market to function even in the face of a shortage of supply , provision must be made for solidarity and coordination in the response to supply crises , as regards both preventive action and the reaction to actual disruptions of supply . ### an internal gas market that operates smoothly is the best guarantee of security of energy supply across the union and to reduce the exposure of individual member states to the harmful effects of supply disruptions . where a member state’s security of supply is threatened , there is a risk that measures developed unilaterally by that member state may jeopardise the proper functioning of the internal gas market and damage the gas supply to customers in other member states . to allow the internal gas market to function even in the face of a shortage of supply , provision must be made for solidarity and coordination in the response to supply crises in a member state which risk sparking a domino effect on the eu market , as regards both preventive action and the reaction to actual disruptions of supply .


### this regulation aims to ensure that all the necessary measures are taken to safeguard an uninterrupted supply of gas throughout the union , in particular to protected customers in the event of difficult climatic conditions or disruptions of the gas supply . these objectives should be achieved through the most cost - effective measures and in such a way that energy markets are not distorted . ### this regulation aims to ensure that all the necessary non - discriminatory measures are taken to safeguard an uninterrupted supply of gas throughout the union , in particular to protected customers in the event of difficult climatic conditions or disruptions of the gas supply . these objectives should be achieved through the most cost - effective intra - and interregional measures , in such a way that energy markets are not distorted and the minimum damage level in the case of installations with a continuous operating flow is not affected .


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14a to amend and supplement table 4 of annex i in order to set out limits for tailpipe emissions at cold temperatures for vehicles approved as complying with the euro 6 emission limits set out in table 2 of annex i . the limits for emissions of nox and no2 shall be set on the basis of an impact assessment shall take into consideration the technical feasibility and shall reflect the air quality objectives set out in directive no 2008 / 50 of the european parliament and of the council . ### the commission shall propose legislative measures to set out limits for tailpipe emissions at cold temperatures for vehicles approved as complying with the euro 6 emission limits set out in table 2 of annex i . the limits for tailpipe emissions at cold temperatures shall be set on the basis of an impact assessment for carbon monoxide , hydrocarbons , nitrogen oxides , nitrogen dioxide and shall take into consideration the technical feasibility and shall further reflect the air quality objectives set out in directive no 2008 / 50 of the european parliament and of the council .


### in order to achieve eu air quality objectives and to ensure a continuous effort to reduce vehicle emissions , the power to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of the detailed rules on the application of regulation no 715 / 2007 to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 5 000 kg , the specific procedures , tests and requirements for type approval , the requirements for the implementation of the prohibition on the use of defeat devices that reduce the effectiveness of emission control systems , the measures necessary for the implementation of the obligation of a manufacturer to provide unrestricted and standardised access to vehicle repair and maintenance information , the replacement of the information on the mass of co2 emissions in the certificate of conformity with information on total mass of co2 emissions equivalents , the increase or removal of the limit value of total hydrocarbons emissions for positive ignition vehicles , the amendment of regulation no 715 / 2007 for the purposes of recalibrating the particulate mass based limit values and introducing particle number based limit values that would correlate broadly with the petrol and diesel mass limit values , the adoption of a revised measurement procedure for particulates and a particle number limit value , a limit value for emissions of no2 and limits for tailpipe emissions at cold temperatures for vehicles approved as complying with the euro 6 emission limits . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council . ### in order to achieve eu air quality objectives , as set out by the air quality standards and by directive 2008 / 50 / ec of the european parliament and of the council5c , and to ensure a continuous effort to reduce vehicle emissions , the power to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of the detailed rules on the application of regulation no 715 / 2007 to vehicles of categories m1 , m2 , n1 and n2 with a reference mass exceeding 2 610 kg but with a maximum vehicle mass not exceeding 5 000 kg , the specific procedures , tests and requirements for type approval , the requirements for the implementation of the prohibition on the use of defeat devices that reduce the effectiveness of emission control systems , the measures necessary for the implementation of the obligation of a manufacturer to provide unrestricted and standardised access to vehicle repair and maintenance information , the amendment of regulation no 715 / 2007 for the purposes of recalibrating the particulate mass based limit values and introducing particle number based limit values that would correlate broadly with the petrol and diesel mass limit values . the commission , when preparing and drawing up delegated acts , should ensure a simultaneous , timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the european parliament and to the council . __________________ 5c directive 2008 / 50 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 21 may 2008 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for europe .


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 14a to set out , in addition to the existing limit value for emissions of total nox , a limit value for emissions of no2 for vehicles approved as complying with the euro 6 emission limits set out in table 2 of annex i . the limit for emissions of no2 shall be set on the basis of an impact assessment , shall take into consideration the technical feasibility and shall reflect the air quality objectives set out in directive no 2008 / 50 of the european parliament and of the council* . ### the commission shall propose legislative measures concerning a limit value for emissions of no2 , in addition to the existing limit value for emissions of total nox for vehicles approved as complying with the euro 6 emission limits set out in table 2 of annex i . the limit for emissions of no2 shall be set on the basis of a clear and detailed impact assessment , and shall take into consideration the technical feasibility and shall further reflect the air quality objectives set out in directive no 2008 / 50 of the european parliament and of the council* .


### the replacement of the information on the mass of co2 emissions in the certificate of conformity referred to in article 18 of directive 2007 / 46 / ec with the information on total mass of co2 emissions equivalents , which shall be the sum of the mass of co2 emissions and methane emissions , expressed as equivalent mass of co2 emissions with regard to their greenhouse gas effects ; ### the review of the information on the mass of co2 emissions in the certificate of conformity referred to in article 18 of directive 2007 / 46 / ec , in the framework of the revision of regulation no 443 / 2009 , based on the information on total mass of co2 emissions equivalents , which should be considered to be the sum of the mass of co2 emissions and methane emissions , expressed as equivalent mass of co2 emissions with regard to their greenhouse gas effects ;