### in the digital environment in particular , the competent authorities should be able to stop infringements quickly and effectively , notably where the trader selling goods or services conceals its identity or relocates within the union or to a third country to avoid enforcement . in cases where there is a risk of serious and irreparable harm to consumers , the competent authorities should to be able to adopt interim measures to prevent such harm or reduce it , including , where necessary , the suspension of a website , domain or a similar digital site , service or account . furthermore , the competent authorities should have the power to take down or have a third party service provider take down a website , domain or a similar digital site , service or account , ### in the digital environment in particular , the competent authorities should be able to stop infringements quickly and effectively , notably where the trader selling goods or services conceals his identity or relocates within the union or to a third country to avoid enforcement . in cases where there is a risk of serious and irreparable harm to consumers , the competent authorities should to be able to adopt interim measures , where there are no other means available to prevent or mitigate such harm , including , where necessary , the suspension of a website , service or account , or putting a fully qualified domain name on hold for a specific period of time . furthermore , the competent authorities should have the power to close down or have a third party service provider close down a website , service or account or a part of it , delete a fully qualified domain name and allow the competent authority concerned to register it ,


### the limitation period for the imposition of penalties shall begin to run on the day on which the infringement ceased . ### the limitation period for exercising the powers referred to in paragraph 1 shall begin to run on the day on which the infringement ceased .


### consumer organisations play an essential role in informing consumers about their rights and educating them and protecting their interests , including the settlement of disputes . consumers should be encouraged to cooperate with the competent authorities to strengthen the application of this regulation . consumer organisations , in particular consumer organisations that may be delegated enforcement tasks under this regulation and european consumer centres , should be in a position to notify competent authorities of suspected infringements and share information needed to detect , investigate and stop intra - union infringements and widespread infringements with them , ### consumer organisations play an essential role in informing consumers about their rights and educating them and protecting their interests , including the settlement of disputes . consumer organisations and european consumer centres should be in a position to notify competent authorities of suspected infringements and share with them information needed to detect , investigate and stop infringements ,


### common position and hearing of traders ### language arrangements for communication with traders


### the coordinating authority shall inform the commission and competent authorities of the member states concerned without delay when the widespread infringement has ceased or has been prohibited . ### the coordinator shall notify the commission , the competent authorities and the single liaison offices of the member states concerned without delay of the closure of the coordinated action .


### when conducting concerted investigations , the competent authorities concerned shall make effective use of the powers set out in article 8 and other powers conferred upon them by national law . ### when conducting sweeps , the competent authorities involved shall make effective use of the powers set out in article 8 and other powers conferred upon them by national law .


### where market trends , consumer complaints or other indications suggest that widespread infringements may have occurred , occur or may occur , the competent authorities concerned may decide to conduct a concerted investigation of consumer markets . such a concerted investigation shall be coordinated by the commission . ### where market trends , consumer complaints or other indications suggest that widespread infringements may have occurred , occur or may occur , the competent authorities concerned may decide to conduct sweeps .


### ' harm to collective interests of consumers ' means actual or potential harm to the interests of a number of consumers that are concerned by intra - union infringements or widespread infringements ; and that shall be presumed in particular where the infringement potentially ; or actually harmed , harms or is likely to harm a significant number of consumers in a similar situation . ### ' harm to collective interests of consumers ' means actual or potential harm to the interests of a number of consumers that are concerned by intra - union infringements , widespread infringements or widespread infringements with a union dimension ;


### where the trader proposes commitments , the competent authorities concerned , may , where appropriate , publish the proposed commitments on their websites or , as appropriate , on the commission website to seek the views of other parties concerned and to verify whether the commitments are sufficient to cease the infringement and to compensate consumers . ### where the trader proposes commitments , the competent authorities concerned may , where appropriate , publish the proposed commitments on their websites or , as appropriate , on the commission website in order to seek the views of consumer organisations and other parties concerned and to verify whether the commitments are sufficient to ensure the cessation of the infringement and the compensation of consumers harmed by it .


### any acts or omissions contrary to the laws that protect consumers interests that have common features , such as the same unlawful practice , the same interest being infringed or that are occurring concurrently , in at least two member states ; ### any acts or omissions contrary to union laws that protect consumers interests that harmed , harm , or are likely to harm consumers ' collective interests and that have common features , such as the same unlawful practice or the same interest being infringed , or that are occurring concurrently , in at least two member states ;


### competent authorities should have a minimum set of powers of investigation and enforcement to apply this regulation effectively , to cooperate with each other , and to deter traders from committing intra - union infringements and widespread infringements . those powers should be adequate to tackle the enforcement challenges of e - commerce and the digital environment where the possibilities of a trader easily concealing its identity or changing it are of particular concern . those powers should ensure that evidence can be validly exchanged among competent authorities to achieve effective enforcement at an equal level in all member states , ### competent authorities should have a consistent set of powers of investigation and enforcement , in order to apply this regulation , cooperate with each other more quickly and more efficiently and deter traders from committing infringements . those powers should be sufficient to effectively tackle the enforcement challenges of e - commerce and the digital environment and to prevent non - compliant traders from exploiting gaps in the enforcement system by relocating to member states whose competent authorities are not equipped to tackle unlawful practices . those powers should ensure that information and evidence can be validly exchanged among competent authorities to achieve effective enforcement at an equal level in all member states ,


### after receiving the notifications referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 , the competent authorities concerned by the widespread infringement shall , acting by consensus , designate the competent authority that shall coordinate the action . ### after receiving a notification by a competent authority , the competent authorities concerned by the widespread infringement shall , acting by consensus , decide about launching a coordinated action . the notifying competent authority shall coordinate the action unless the competent authorities concerned by the widespread infringement agree that another competent authority or the commission is to coordinate the action .


### member states shall coordinate and jointly organise the activities set out in paragraph 1 . ### member states may coordinate and jointly organise the activities referred to in paragraph 1 .


### carry out the necessary on - site inspections , including in particular the power to enter any premises , land or means of transport or to request other authorities to do so in order to examine , seize , take or obtain copies of information , data or documents , irrespective of the medium on which they are stored ; to seal any premises or information , data or documents for a necessary period and to the extent necessary for the inspection ; to request any representative or member of the staff of the trader concerned to give explanations on facts , information or documents relating to the subject matter of the inspection and to record the answers ; ### carry out the necessary on - site inspections , including the power to enter any premises , land or means of transport that the trader uses for purposes related to his trade , business , craft or profession , or to request other authorities to do so in order to examine , seize , take or obtain copies of information , data or documents , irrespective of the medium on which they are stored ; to seal any premises or information , data or documents for a necessary period and to the extent necessary for the inspection ;


### member states shall ensure that competent authorities and single liaison offices have the adequate resources necessary for the application of this regulation and for the effective use of their powers pursuant to article 8 , including sufficient budgetary and other resources , expertise , procedures and other arrangements . ### member states shall ensure that competent authorities and single liaison offices have the necessary and sufficient resources for the application of this regulation and for the effective use of their powers pursuant to article 8 , including budgetary and other resources , expertise , procedures and other arrangements .


### the competent authorities concerned may invite the trader responsible for the infringement to propose commitments to cease the infringement and where appropriate to compensate or take other measures facilitating compensation of consumers that have suffered harm . the trader may also , on its own initiative , propose commitments to cease the infringement and to compensate consumers . ### on the basis of a common position adopted pursuant to article 17 , the competent authorities concerned may invite the trader responsible for the widespread infringement or the widespread infringement with a union dimension to propose commitments to cease the infringement and where appropriate to compensate , or take other measures facilitating compensation of , consumers that have suffered harm . the trader may also , on his own initiative , propose commitments to cease the infringement and to compensate such consumers .


### this regulation shall apply from [ one year after its entry into force ] . ### this regulation shall apply from [ 18 months after the date of its entry into force ] .


### when notifying the competent authority pursuant to paragraph 2 , the commission may propose to take up the coordination role . the competent authorities concerned shall inform the commission without delay whether they accept that the commission coordinates the action . ### when it is the commission that notifies the competent authorities , it may propose to take up the coordination role . the competent authorities concerned shall inform the commission without delay whether they agree to the commission coordinating the action , or whether they agree on a competent authority that is to coordinate the action .


### consult consumers , consumer organisations , designated bodies and other persons concerned about the effectiveness of the proposed commitments in ceasing the infringement and removing the harm caused by it . ### consult consumer organisations and , where applicable , designated bodies .


### the examination procedure should be used for the adoption of the acts pursuant to articles 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 15 , 20 , 27 , 31 , 32 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 39 , 43 and 46 of this regulation given that those acts are of general scope , ### the examination procedure should be used for the adoption of the implementing acts pursuant to articles 15a , 20 , 32 , 34 , 35 and 43 of this regulation , given that those acts are of general scope ,


### where appropriate and without prejudice to the rules on professional and commercial secrecy set out in article 41 , the competent authorities concerned may decide to publish the common position or parts of it on their websites and on the commission website and seek the views of other parties concerned . ### without prejudice to the rules on professional and commercial secrecy set out in article 41 , the competent authorities concerned shall publish the common position or parts of it on their websites and on the commission website and seek the views of consumer organisations and other parties concerned .


### where a competent authority has a reasonable suspicion that a widespread infringement is taking place , it shall notify the competent authorities of the other member states concerned by the widespread infringement and the commission without delay . ### where a competent authority or the commission has a reasonable suspicion that a widespread infringement is taking place , it shall notify the competent authorities of the member states concerned by that infringement and the commission , where applicable , without delay .


### widespread infringements with a union dimension may cause large scale harm to a majority of consumers in the union . they therefore require a specific union - level coordination procedure with the commission as the mandatory coordinator . to ensure that the procedure is launched in a timely , coherent and effective manner and that the conditions are verified in a uniform manner , the commission should be in charge of verifying whether the conditions for the launch of the procedure are fulfilled . evidence and information collected during the common action should be used seamlessly in national proceedings when required , ### in the case of widespread infringements with a union dimension that may cause harm to consumers ' collective interests in a majority of member states , the commission should launch and coordinate a union - level coordination procedure . to ensure procedural coherence , the commission should be in charge of verifying whether the conditions for the launch of the procedure are fulfilled . evidence and information collected during the coordinated action should be used in national proceedings when required ,


### consumer organisations play an essential role in informing consumers about their rights and educating them and protecting their interests , including the settlement of disputes . consumers should be encouraged to cooperate with the competent authorities to strengthen the application of this regulation . consumer organisations , in particular consumer organisations that may be delegated enforcement tasks under this regulation and european consumer centres , should be in a position to notify competent authorities of suspected infringements and share information needed to detect , investigate and stop intra - union infringements and widespread infringements with them , ### consumer organisations play an essential role in informing consumers about their rights and educating them and protecting their interests , including the settlement of disputes . consumer organisations and european consumer centres should be in a position to notify competent authorities of suspected infringements and share with them information needed to detect , investigate and stop infringements ,


### exercise of minimum powers ### exercise of powers by competent authorities


### coordinated screening of online e - commerce websites are another form of enforcement coordination that has proven to be an effective tool against infringements that should be retained and strengthened in the future , ### coordinated screening of online e - commerce websites is another form of enforcement coordination that has proven to be an effective tool against infringements which should be retained and strengthened in the future , including by extending its application to offline sectors ,


### the digital single market strategy adopted by the commission on 6 may 2015 identified as one of the priorities the need to enhance consumer trust through more rapid , agile and consistent enforcement of consumer rules . the single market strategy adopted by the commission on 28 october 2015 reiterated that enforcing union consumer protection legislation should be further strengthened by the regulation on consumer protection cooperation , ### the digital single market strategy adopted by the commission on 6 may 2015 identified as one of the priorities the need to enhance consumer trust through more rapid and consistent enforcement of consumer laws . the single market strategy adopted by the commission on 28 october 2015 reiterated that enforcing union laws that protect consumers ' interests should be further strengthened by the reform of regulation no 2006 / 2004 ,


### directly under their own authority ; or ### directly under their own authority or under the supervision of the judicial authorities ; or


### the resulting ineffective enforcement of cross - border infringements , in particular in the digital environment , enables traders to evade enforcement by relocating within the union , giving rise to a distortion of competition for law - abiding traders operating either domestically or cross - border , and thus directly harming consumers and undermineing consumer confidence in cross - border transactions and the single market . an increased level of harmonisation setting effective and efficient enforcement cooperation among competent public enforcement authorities is therefore necessary to detect , investigate and order the cessation of intra - union infringements and widespread infringements , ### the ineffective enforcement of the laws governing cross - border infringements , including in the digital environment , enables traders to evade enforcement of those laws by relocating within the union , giving rise to a distortion of competition for law - abiding traders operating either domestically or cross - border , and thus directly harming consumers and undermining consumer confidence in cross - border transactions and the single market . an increased level of harmonisation , ensuring effective and efficient cooperation among competent public enforcement authorities , is therefore necessary in order to detect , investigate , order and force the cessation of infringements ,


### the commission shall adopt implementing acts necessary to implement the database . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 48 . ### the commission shall adopt implementing acts laying down standard electronic forms and templates available in the database for the discussion forum through which all requests and replies as well as other documents are to be exchanged . those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 48 .


### ' harm to collective interests of consumers ' means actual or potential harm to the interests of a number of consumers that are concerned by intra - union infringements or widespread infringements ; and that shall be presumed in particular where the infringement potentially ; or actually harmed , harms or is likely to harm a significant number of consumers in a similar situation . ### ' harm to collective interests of consumers ' means actual or potential harm to the interests of a number of consumers that are concerned by intra - union infringements , widespread infringements or widespread infringements with a union dimension ;


### the external alerts shall only be ' for information ' . the competent authorities shall not be bound to initiate a procedure or take any other action in response to the alerts and information provided by those entities . entities making external alerts shall ensure that the information provided is correct , up to date and accurate and shall correct the information posted without delay or withdraw it as appropriate . for that purpose , they shall have access to the information they have provided , subject to the limitations referred to in articles 41 and 43 . ### the competent authorities shall not be bound to initiate a procedure or take any other action in response to the external alerts and information provided by the entities referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 . entities making external alerts shall ensure that the information provided is correct , up to date and accurate , and shall correct any errors in the information posted without delay or withdraw it as appropriate . for that purpose , they shall have access to the information they have provided , subject to the limitations referred to in articles 41 and 43 . they shall also be notified of any follow - up actions taken by the competent authority concerned in relation to external alerts , or of the lack of any action , giving reasons in the latter case as to why the alert was not acted upon .


### in requests for mutual assistance , the applicant authority shall provide sufficient information to enable a requested authority to fulfil the request , including any necessary evidence obtainable only in the member state of the applicant authority . ### in requests for mutual assistance , the applicant authority shall provide all the relevant information at its disposal to enable a requested authority to fulfil the request , including any necessary evidence obtainable only in the member state of the applicant authority .


### in the digital environment in particular , the competent authorities should be able to stop infringements quickly and effectively , notably where the trader selling goods or services conceals its identity or relocates within the union or to a third country to avoid enforcement . in cases where there is a risk of serious and irreparable harm to consumers , the competent authorities should to be able to adopt interim measures to prevent such harm or reduce it , including , where necessary , the suspension of a website , domain or a similar digital site , service or account . furthermore , the competent authorities should have the power to take down or have a third party service provider take down a website , domain or a similar digital site , service or account , ### in the digital environment in particular , the competent authorities should be able to stop infringements quickly and effectively , notably where the trader selling goods or services conceals his identity or relocates within the union or to a third country to avoid enforcement . in cases where there is a risk of serious and irreparable harm to consumers , the competent authorities should to be able to adopt interim measures , where there are no other means available to prevent or mitigate such harm , including , where necessary , the suspension of a website , service or account , or putting a fully qualified domain name on hold for a specific period of time . furthermore , the competent authorities should have the power to close down or have a third party service provider close down a website , service or account or a part of it , delete a fully qualified domain name and allow the competent authority concerned to register it ,


### in an alert ' for action ' , the competent authority or the commission may ask other competent authorities and the commission to verify whether similar suspected infringements may be taking place in the territory of other member states or whether any enforcement measures have already been taken against such infringements in other member states . ### in an alert , the competent authority or the commission shall ask competent authorities of other member states and , as appropriate , the commission to verify whether similar suspected infringements are taking place in the territory of other member states or whether any enforcement measures have already been taken against such infringements in other member states . those competent authorities of other member states and the commission shall reply to the request without delay .


### 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 program 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 . actions under the cap are expected to contribute 40 % of the overall financial envelope of the cap to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the program ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes . ### reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the union ' s commitments to implement the paris agreement and the united nations sustainable development goals , this program 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 at the latest by 2027 . actions under the cap are expected to contribute 40 % of the overall financial envelope of the cap to climate objectives . relevant actions will be identified during the program ' s preparation and implementation , and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes .


### brandy or weinbrand shall not be flavoured . this shall not exclude traditional production methods . ### brandy or weinbrand shall not be flavoured . this shall not exclude the addition of substances traditionally used in their production . the commission shall specify which substances are authorised eu - wide by means of delegated acts and shall be guided in so doing by traditional production processes in the individual member states .


### without prejudice to paragraph 2 , geographical indications of spirit drinks protected under regulation no 110 / 2008 , shall automatically be protected as geographical indications under this regulation . the commission shall list them in the register . ### geographical indications of spirit drinks protected under regulation no 110 / 2008 , shall automatically be protected as geographical indications under this regulation . the commission shall list them in the register .


### the minimum alcoholic strength by volume of liqueur shall be 15 % . ### the minimum alcoholic strength by volume of liqueur shall be 15% .


### the delegated acts referred to in points and of the first subparagraph shall be limited to meeting demonstrated needs resulting from evolving consumer demands , technological progress , developments in relevant international standards or needs for product innovation . ### the delegated acts referred to in point of the first subparagraph shall be limited to meeting demonstrated needs resulting from evolving consumer demands , technological progress , developments in relevant international standards or needs for product innovation .


### the commission shall adopt implementing acts , without applying the procedure referred to in article 44 , establishing and maintaining a publicly accessible updated electronic register of geographical indications of spirit drinks recognised under this scheme . ### the commission shall adopt implementing acts , without applying the procedure referred to in article 44 , establishing and maintaining a publicly accessible updated electronic register of geographical indications of spirit drinks recognised under this scheme . the register shall contain all product specifications for spirits which are registered as geographical indications .


### the allusion to any spirit drink category or geographical indication , for the presentation of a foodstuff , shall not be in the same line as the sales denomination . without prejudice to the second subparagraph of article 10 , for the presentation of alcoholic beverages , the allusion shall appear in a font size smaller than those used for the sales denomination and compound term . ### without prejudice to article 13 of regulation no 1169 / 2011 , the allusion to any spirit drink category or geographical indication , for the presentation of a foodstuff , shall not be in the same line as the sales denomination . without prejudice to the second subparagraph of article 10 , for the presentation of alcoholic beverages , the allusion shall appear in a font size smaller than those used for the sales denomination and compound term .


### –rowanberries , ### –does not affect the english version .


### the alcohol used in the production of alcoholic beverages and to dilute or dissolve colours , flavourings or any other authorised additives used in the preparation of alcoholic beverages shall be ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin . ### the alcohol used in the production of alcoholic beverages and to dilute or dissolve colours , flavourings or any other authorised additives used in the preparation of alcoholic beverages shall be ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin or derived from beer .


### distillates used in the production of alcoholic beverages and to dilute or dissolve colours , flavourings or any other authorised additives used in the preparation of alcoholic beverages shall exclusively be of agricultural origin . ### distillates used in the production of alcoholic beverages and to dilute or dissolve colours , flavourings or any other authorised additives used in the preparation of alcoholic beverages shall exclusively be of agricultural origin or derived from beer .


### –service - berry , ### –does not affect the english version .


### shareholders and persons belonging to the management body of an undertaking , including non - executive members , as well as volunteers and unpaid trainees ; ### shareholders and persons belonging to the management body of an undertaking , including non - executive members , as well as volunteers and paid or unpaid trainees ;


### penalties are necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the rules on whistleblower protection . penalties against those who take retaliatory or other adverse actions against reporting persons can discourage further such actions . penalties against persons who make a report or disclosure demonstrated to be knowingly false are necessary to deter further malicious reporting and preserve the credibility of the system . the proportionality of such penalties should ensure that they do not have a dissuasive effect on potential whistleblowers . ### penalties are necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the rules on whistleblower protection . penalties against those who take retaliatory or other adverse actions against reporting persons can discourage further such actions .


### retaliation expresses the close relationship that must exist between the report and the adverse treatment suffered , directly or indirectly , by the reporting person , so that this person can enjoy legal protection . effective protection of reporting persons as a means of enhancing the enforcement of union law requires a broad definition of retaliation , encompassing any act or omission occurring in the work - related context which causes them detriment . ### retaliation expresses the close relationship that must exist between the report and the adverse treatment suffered , directly or indirectly , by the reporting person , so that this person can enjoy legal protection . effective protection of reporting persons as a means of enhancing the enforcement of union law requires a broad definition of retaliation , encompassing any act or omission occurring in the work - related context which causes them detriment . this definition cannot , by nature , be made up of an open list of examples , since the forms of retaliation are limited only by the imaginations of the perpetrators of such acts .


### accordingly , common minimum standards ensuring effective whistleblower protection should apply in those acts and policy areas where i ) there is a need to strengthen enforcement ; ii ) under - reporting by whistleblowers is a key factor affecting enforcement , and iii ) breaches of union law cause serious harm to the public interest . ### accordingly , common minimum standards ensuring effective whistleblower protection should apply in those acts and policy areas where i ) there is a need to strengthen enforcement ; ii ) under - reporting by whistleblowers is a key factor affecting enforcement , and iii ) breaches of union law cause major harm to the public interest .


### coercion , intimidation , harassment or ostracism at the workplace ; ### coercion , intimidation , physical and verbal violence , harassment , discrimination or ostracism ;


### the material scope of this directive is based on the identification of areas where the introduction of whistleblower protection appears justified and necessary on the basis of currently available evidence . such material scope may be extended to further areas or union acts , if this proves necessary as a means of strengthening their enforcement in the light of evidence that may come to the fore in the future or on the basis of the evaluation of the way in which this directive has operated . ### the material scope of this directive is based on the identification of areas where the introduction of whistleblower protection appears justified and necessary on the basis of currently available evidence . such material scope may be extended to further areas or union acts , if this proves necessary as a means of strengthening their enforcement in the light of evidence that the commission should continue to gather and that may come to the fore in the future or on the basis of the evaluation of the way in which this directive has operated .


### prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing : ### prevention and fight against money laundering and terrorist financing :


### in judicial proceedings relating to a detriment suffered by the reporting person , and subject to him or her providing reasonable grounds to believe that the detriment was in retaliation for having made the report or disclosure , it shall be for the person who has taken the retaliatory measure to prove that the detriment was not a consequence of the report but was exclusively based on duly justified grounds . ### in judicial proceedings relating to a detriment suffered by the reporting person , and subject to him or her providing reasonable grounds to believe that the detriment was in retaliation for having made the report or public disclosure , it is to be presumed that the detriment was suffered in retaliation for the report or public disclosure .


### with a view to enhancing the enforcement of union law and policies in specific areas , this directive lays down common minimum standards for the protection of persons reporting on the following unlawful activities or abuse of law : ### this directive lays down common minimum standards for the protection of whistleblowers or persons reporting on :


### the legal entities in the public sector referred to in paragraph 1 shall be the following : ### the legal entities in the public sector referred to in paragraph 1 shall include , in particular , the following :


### the requirement of a tiered use of reporting channels , as a general rule , is necessary to ensure that the information gets to the persons who can contribute to the early and effective resolution of risks to the public interest as well as to prevent unjustified reputational damage from public disclosure . at the same time , some exceptions to its application are necessary , allowing the reporting person to choose the most appropriate channel depending on the individual circumstances of the case . moreover , it is necessary to protect public disclosures taking into account democratic principles such as transparency and accountability , and fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and media freedom , whilst balancing the interest of employers to manage their organisations and to protect their interests with the interest of the public to be protected from harm , in line with the criteria developed in the case - law of the european court of human rights57 . __________________ 57 one of the criteria for determining whether retaliation against whistleblowers making public disclosures interferes with freedom of expression in a way which is not necessary in a democratic society , is whether the persons who made the disclosure had at their disposal alternative channels for making the disclosure ; ### the use of a tiered use of internal reporting channels , as a general rule , is effective in ensuring that the information gets to the persons who can contribute to the early and effective resolution of risks to the public interest . at the same time , it is necessary to ensure a high degree of flexibility that allows the reporting person to choose the most appropriate channel depending on the individual circumstances of the case . moreover , it is necessary to protect public disclosures taking into account democratic principles such as transparency and accountability , and fundamental rights such as freedom of expression , media freedom and the right to information , whilst balancing the interest of employers to manage their organisations and to protect their interests with the interest of the public to be protected from harm , in line with the criteria developed in the case - law of the european court of human rights57 . __________________ 57 one of the criteria for determining whether retaliation against whistleblowers making public disclosures interferes with freedom of expression in a way which is not necessary in a democratic society , is whether the persons who made the disclosure had at their disposal alternative channels for making the disclosure ;


### member states shall ensure that legal entities in the private and in the public sector establish internal channels and procedures for reporting and following up on reports , following consultations with social partners , if appropriate . ### member states shall ensure that legal entities in the private and in the public sector establish internal channels and procedures for reporting and following up on reports , following cooperation with the social partners .


### having regard to article 294 and articles 16 , 33 , 43 , 50 , 53 , 62 , 91 , 100 , 103 , 109 , 114 , 168 , 169 , 192 , 207 and 325 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union and article 31 thereof , ### having regard to the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and in particular 16 , 33 , 43 , 50 , 53 , 62 , 91 , 100 , 103 , 109 , 114 , 153 and , 168 , 169 , 192 , 207 and 325 thereof and to the treaty establishing the european atomic energy community , and in particular article 31 thereof ,


### ‘ retaliation’ means any threatened or actual act or omission prompted by the internal or external reporting which occurs in a work - related context and causes or may cause unjustified detriment to the reporting person ; ### ‘ retaliation’ means any threatened or actual act or omission prompted by the internal or external reporting or public disclosure which occurs in a work - related context and causes or may cause unjustified detriment to the reporting person ;


### the protection of privacy and personal data is another area where whistleblowers are in a privileged position to disclose breaches of union law which can seriously harm the public interest . similar considerations apply for breaches of the directive on the security of network and information systems45 , which introduces notification of incidents and security requirements for entities providing essential services across many sectors and providers of key digital services . whistleblowers’ reporting in this area is particularly valuable to prevent security incidents that would affect key economic and social activities and widely used digital services . it helps ensuring the continuity of services which are essential for the functioning of the internal market and the wellbeing of society . __________________ 45 directive 2016 / 1148 of the european parliament and of the council of 6 july 2016 concerning measures for a high common level of security of network and information systems across the union . ### the protection of privacy and personal data is another area where whistleblowers are in a privileged position to disclose breaches of union law which can harm the public interest . similar considerations apply for breaches of the directive on the security of network and information systems45 , which introduces notification of incidents and security requirements for entities providing essential services across many sectors and providers of key digital services . whistleblowers’ reporting in this area is particularly valuable to prevent security incidents that would affect key economic and social activities and widely used digital services . it helps ensuring the continuity of services which are essential for the functioning of the internal market and the wellbeing of society . __________________ 45 directive 2016 / 1148 of the european parliament and of the council of 6 july 2016 concerning measures for a high common level of security of network and information systems across the union .


### persons who work for an organisation or are in contact with it in the context of their work - related activities are often the first to know about threats or harm to the public interest which arise in this context . by ' blowing the whistle ' they play a key role in exposing and preventing breaches of the law and in safeguarding the welfare of society . however , potential whistleblowers are often discouraged from reporting their concerns or suspicions for fear of retaliation . ### persons who work for an organisation or are in contact with it in the context of their work - related activities are often the first to know about threats or harm to the public interest which arise in this context . by ' blowing the whistle ' they play a key role in exposing and preventing acts prejudicial to the public interest and breaches of the law and in safeguarding the welfare of society as well as freedom of expression and of information . however , potential whistleblowers are often discouraged from reporting their concerns or suspicions for fear of retaliation .


### municipalities with more than 10 000 inhabitants ; ### municipalities ;


### it is for the member states to identify the authorities competent to receive and give appropriate follow up to the reports on breaches falling within the scope of this directive . these may be regulatory or supervisory bodies in the areas concerned , law enforcement agencies , anti - corruption bodies and ombudsmen . the authorities designated as competent shall have the necessary capacities and powers to assess the accuracy of the allegations made in the report and to address the breaches reported , including by launching an investigation , prosecution or action for recovery of funds , or other appropriate remedial action , in accordance with their mandate . ### it is for the member states to identify the authorities competent to receive and give appropriate follow up to the reports on breaches falling within the scope of this directive which have the highest possible degree of independence and impartiality . these may be regulatory or supervisory bodies in the areas concerned , law enforcement agencies , anti - corruption bodies and ombudsmen . the authorities designated as competent shall have the necessary capacities and powers to assess the accuracy of the allegations made in the report and to address the breaches reported , including by launching or requesting an investigation , prosecution or action for recovery of funds , or other appropriate remedial action , in accordance with their mandate . the staff serving in those bodies shall be specialised and have proper training and formation .


### member states may introduce or retain provisions more favourable to the rights of the reporting persons than those set out in this directive , without prejudice to article 16 and article 17 . ### member states may introduce or retain provisions more favourable to the rights of the reporting persons than those set out in this directive and establish reporting systems on national provisions , without prejudice to article 16 and article17 .


### obligation to establish internal channels and procedures for reporting and follow - up of reports ### channels and procedures for reporting and follow - up of reports


### article 6 obligation to establish external reporting channels and to follow up on reports member states shall designate the authorities competent to receive and handle reports . 2 . member states shall ensure that the competent authorities : establish independent and autonomous external reporting channels , which are both secure and ensure confidentiality , for receiving and handling information provided by the reporting person ; b ) give feedback to the reporting person about the follow - up of the report within a reasonable timeframe not exceeding three months or six months in duly justified cases ; c ) transmit the information contained in the report to competent bodies , offices or agencies of the union , as appropriate , for further investigation , where provided for under national or union law . 3 . member states shall ensure that competent authorities follow up on the reports by taking the necessary measures and investigate , to the extent appropriate , the subject - matter of the reports . the competent authorities shall communicate to the reporting person the final outcome of the investigations . 4 . member states shall ensure that any authority which has received a report but does not have the competence to address the breach reported transmits it to the competent authority and that the reporting person is informed . ### article 6 obligation to establish external reporting channels and to follow up on reports member states shall designate the authorities competent to receive and handle reports , which must be independent and have sufficient power and adequate financial and human resources to operate effectively . 1a . member states are also to ensure that persons requiring protection as whistle blowers will be entitled to the right of appeal before the courts and that under no circumstances can the authority tasked to grant such status or protection have an actual or potential conflict of interest with regard to whether or not to grant such status or protection . 2 . member states shall ensure that the competent authorities : establish independent and autonomous , clear and transparent external reporting channels , which are both secure and ensure confidentiality and allow for anonymous disclosures , for receiving and processing information provided by the reporting person or intermediaries ; aa ) are independent and dispose of adequately qualified and trained staff and appropriate funding ; ab ) guarantee advice and legal support for reporting persons and intermediaries ; b ) give feedback to the reporting person about the follow - up of the report within a reasonable timeframe not exceeding three months or six months in duly justified cases ; c ) transmit , while further ensuring confidentiality and / or anonymity of the reporting person , the information contained in the report to competent bodies , offices or agencies of the union , as appropriate , for further investigation , where provided for under national or union law . ca ) raise public awareness so as to ensure the report of breaches ; cb ) collect and publish data and information regarding the functioning of whistleblowing laws and frameworks . 3 . member states shall ensure that competent authorities follow up on the reports by taking the necessary measures and investigate , to the extent appropriate , the subject - matter of the reports . the competent authorities shall communicate to the reporting person the final outcome of the investigations . 3a . member states shall ensure that competent authorities are entitled to receive , investigate and address complaints of unfair treatment and improper investigation on persons reporting the breaches . 4 . member states shall ensure that any authority which has received a report but does not have the competence to address the breach reported transmits it to the competent authority and that the reporting person is informed .


### the most appropriate persons or departments within a private legal entity to be designated as competent to receive and follow up on reports depend on the structure of the entity , but , in any case , their function should ensure absence of conflict of interest and independence . in smaller entities , this function could be a dual function held by a company officer well placed to report directly to the organisational head , such as a chief compliance or human resources officer , a legal or privacy officer , a chief financial officer , a chief audit executive or a member of the board . ### the most appropriate persons or departments within a private legal entity to be designated as competent to receive and follow up on reports depend on the structure of the entity , but , in any case , their function should ensure absence of conflict of interest and independence . in smaller entities , this function could be a dual function held by one company officer well placed to report directly to the organisational head , such as a chief compliance or human resources officer , a legal or privacy officer , a chief financial officer , a chief audit executive or a member of the board .


### effective detection and prevention of serious harm to the public interest requires that the information reported which qualifies for protection covers not only unlawful activities but also abuse of law , namely acts or omissions which do not appear to be unlawful in formal terms but defeat the object or the purpose of the law . ### effective detection and prevention of harm to the public interest requires that the information reported which qualifies for protection covers not only unlawful activities but also abuse of law , namely acts or omissions which do not appear to be unlawful in formal terms but defeat the object or the purpose of the law and , more generally , any act of wrongdoing that is prejudicial to the public interest .


### having regard to the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and in particular articles 16 , 33 , 43 , 50 , 53 , 62 , 91 , 100 , 103 , 109 , 114 , 168 , 169 , 192 , 207 and 325 thereof and to the treaty establishing the european atomic energy community , and in particular article 31 thereof , ### having regard to the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and in particular articles 16 , 33 , 43 , 50 , 53 , 62 , 91 , 100 , 103 , 109 , 114 , 153 , , , , 168 , 169 , 192 , 207 and 325 thereof and to the treaty establishing the european atomic energy community , and in particular article 31 thereof ,


### ‘ disclosure’ means making information on breaches acquired within the work - related context available to the public domain ; ### ‘ public disclosure’ means making information on breaches acquired within the work - related context available in the public domain ;


### the objective of this directive , namely to strengthen enforcement in certain policy areas and acts where breaches of union law can cause serious harm to the public interest through effective whistleblower protection , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states acting alone or in an uncoordinated manner , but can rather be better achieved by union action providing minimum standards of harmonisation on whistleblower protection . moreover , only union action can provide coherence and align the existing union rules on whistleblower protection . therefore , the union may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve this objective . ### the objective of this directive , namely to strengthen enforcement in certain policy areas and acts where breaches of union law can cause harm to the public interest through effective whistleblower protection , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the member states acting alone or in an uncoordinated manner , but can rather be better achieved by union action providing minimum standards of harmonisation on whistleblower protection . moreover , only union action can provide coherence and align the existing union rules on whistleblower protection . therefore , the union may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union . in accordance with the principle of proportionality , as set out in that article , this directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve this objective .


### a reasonable timeframe , not exceeding three months or six months in duly justified cases , for giving feed - back to the reporting person about the follow - up of the report and the type and content of this feed - back ; ### a reasonable timeframe , not exceeding two months from the notification of the report , or four months in duly justified cases , for giving feed - back to the reporting person about the follow - up of the report and the type and content of this feed - back ;


### in addition to the exemption from measures , procedures and remedies provided for in directive 2016 / 943 , in judicial proceedings , including for defamation , breach of copyright , breach of secrecy or for compensation requests based on private , public , or on collective labour law , reporting persons shall have the right to rely on having made a report or disclosure in accordance with this directive to seek dismissal . ### in addition to the exemption from measures , procedures and remedies provided for in directive 2016 / 943 , in judicial proceedings , including for defamation , breach of copyright , breach of secrecy or for compensation requests based on private , public , or on collective labour law , reporting persons shall have the right to rely on having made a report or disclosure in accordance with this directive to seek to have the case dismissed .


### member states shall take the necessary measures to prohibit any form of retaliation , whether direct or indirect , against reporting persons meeting the conditions set out in article 13 , including in particular in the form of : ### member states shall take the necessary measures to prohibit any form of retaliation , whether direct or indirect , against reporting persons meeting the conditions set out in article 13 , in the form of , among others :


### persons making a public disclosure directly should also qualify for protection in cases where a breach remains unaddressed despite having been reported internally and / or externally following a tiered use of available channels ; or in cases where reporting persons have valid reasons to believe that there is collusion between the perpetrator of the breach and the competent authority is reasonably suspected , that evidence may be concealed or destroyed , or that the effectiveness of investigative actions by competent authorities might be jeopardised ; or in cases of imminent and manifest danger for the public interest , or where there is a risk of irreversible damage , including , inter alia , harm to physical integrity . ### persons making a direct public disclosure , when they deem this necessary , should also qualify for protection


### a person reporting to relevant bodies , offices or agencies of the union on breaches falling within the scope of this directive shall qualify for protection as laid down in this directive under the same conditions as a person who reported externally in accordance with the conditions set out in paragraph 2 . ### a person reporting to relevant bodies , offices or agencies of the union on breaches falling within the scope of this directive shall qualify for protection as laid down in this directive under the same conditions as a person who reported in accordance with paragraph 1 .


### effective prevention of breaches of union law requires that protection is also granted to persons who provide information about potential breaches , which have not yet materialised , but are likely to be committed . for the same reasons , protection is warranted also for persons who do not provide positive evidence but raise reasonable concerns or suspicions . at the same time , protection should not apply to the reporting of information which is already in the public domain or of unsubstantiated rumours and hearsay . ### effective prevention of breaches of union law requires that protection is also granted to persons who provide information about potential breaches , which have not yet materialised , but are likely to be committed . for the same reasons , protection is warranted also for persons who do not provide positive evidence but raise reasonable concerns or suspicions as well as to persons complementing information to issues already in the public domain . at the same time , protection should not apply to the reporting of unsubstantiated rumours and hearsay .


### with a view to enhancing the enforcement of union law and policies in specific areas , this directive lays down common minimum standards for the protection of persons reporting on the following unlawful activities or abuse of law : ### this directive lays down common minimum standards for the protection of whistleblowers or persons reporting on :


### in certain policy areas , breaches of union law may cause serious harm to the public interest , in the sense of creating significant risks for the welfare of society . where weaknesses of enforcement have been identified in those areas , and whistleblowers are in a privileged position to disclose breaches , it is necessary to enhance enforcement by ensuring effective protection of whistleblowers from retaliation and introducing effective reporting channels . ### in certain policy areas , breaches of union law may cause harm to the public interest , in the sense of creating significant risks for the welfare of society and undermine citizens ' trust in the union ' s action . where weaknesses of enforcement have been identified in those areas , and whistleblowers are in a privileged position to disclose breaches , it is necessary to enhance enforcement by ensuring effective protection of whistleblowers from retaliation and introducing effective , confidential and safe reporting channels .


### having regard to article 294 and articles 16 , 33 , 43 , 50 , 53 , 62 , 91 , 100 , 103 , 109 , 114 , 168 , 169 , 192 , 207 and 325 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union and article 31 thereof , ### having regard to the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and in particular articles 16 , 19 , 33 , 43 , 50 , 53 , 62 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 83 , 91 , 100 , 103 , 109 , 114 , 153 , 157 , 168 , 169 , 192 , 207 and 325 thereof and to the treaty establishing the european atomic energy community , and in particular article 31 thereof ,


### evidence - gathering , detecting and addressing environmental crimes and unlawful conduct against the protection of the environment remain a challenge and need to be reinforced as acknowledged in the commission communication ' eu actions to improve environmental compliance and governance ' of 18 january 201840 . whilst whistleblower protection rules exist at present only in one sectorial instrument on environmental protection41 , the introduction of such protection appears necessary to ensure effective enforcement of the union environmental acquis , whose breaches can cause serious harm to the public interest with possible spill - over impacts across national borders . this is also relevant in cases where unsafe products can cause environmental harm . __________________ 40 com 10 final . 41 directive 2013 / 30 / eu of the european parliament and of the council , of 12 june 2013 , on safety of offshore oil and gas operations . ### evidence - gathering , detecting and addressing environmental crimes and unlawful conduct against the protection of the environment remain a challenge and need to be reinforced as acknowledged in the commission communication ' eu actions to improve environmental compliance and governance ' of 18 january 201840 . whilst whistleblower protection rules exist at present only in one sectorial instrument on environmental protection41 , the introduction of such protection appears necessary to ensure effective enforcement of the union environmental acquis , whose breaches can cause harm to the public interest with possible spill - over impacts across national borders . this is also relevant in cases where unsafe products can cause environmental harm . __________________ 40 com0010 . directive 2013 / 30 / eu of the european parliament and of the council of 12 june 2013 on safety of offshore oil and gas operations and amending directive 2004 / 35 / ec .


### a reasonable timeframe , not exceeding three months following the report , to provide feedback to the reporting person about the follow - up to the report ; ### a reasonable timeframe , not exceeding one month of notification of the report , to provide feedback to the reporting person about the follow - up to the report ;


### whistleblower protection currently provided in the european union is fragmented across member states and uneven across policy areas . the consequences of breaches of union law with cross - border dimension uncovered by whistleblowers illustrate how insufficient protection in one member state not only negatively impacts on the functioning of eu policies in that member state but can also spill over into other member states and the union as a whole . ### whistleblower protection currently provided in the european union is fragmented across member states and uneven across policy areas . whistleblowers shall be protected if they disclose breaches of law or wrongdoing or misconduct in the public interest . insufficient protection in one member state not only negatively impacts on the functioning of eu policies in that member state but can also spill over into other member states and the union as a whole .


### having regard to article 294 and articles 16 , 33 , 43 , 50 , 53 , 62 , 91 , 100 , 103 , 109 , 114 , 168 , 169 , 192 , 207 and 325 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union and article 31 thereof , ### having regard to the treaty on the functioning of the european union , and in particular articles 16 , 33 , 43 , 50 , 53 , 62 , 91 , 100 , 103 , 109 , 114 , 153 , 154 , 168 , 169 , 192 , 207 and 325 thereof and to the treaty establishing the european atomic energy community , and in particular article 31 thereof ,


### in certain policy areas , breaches of union law may cause serious harm to the public interest , in the sense of creating significant risks for the welfare of society . where weaknesses of enforcement have been identified in those areas , and whistleblowers are in a privileged position to disclose breaches , it is necessary to enhance enforcement by ensuring effective protection of whistleblowers from retaliation and introducing effective reporting channels . ### in certain policy areas , breaches of union law may cause harm to the public interest , in the sense of creating significant risks for the welfare of society . where weaknesses of enforcement have been identified in those areas , and whistleblowers are in a privileged position to disclose breaches , it is necessary to enhance enforcement by ensuring effective protection of whistleblowers from retaliation and introducing effective reporting channels .


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


### the types of legal action may vary between legal systems but they should ensure as full and effective a remedy as possible . remedies should not discourage potential future whistleblowers . for instance , allowing for compensation as an alternative to reinstatement in case of dismissal might give rise to a systematic practice in particular by larger organisations , thus having a dissuasive effect on future whistleblowers . ### the types of legal action may vary between legal systems but they should ensure full compensation for the damage suffered . remedies should not discourage potential future whistleblowers . for instance , allowing for compensation as an alternative to reinstatement in case of dismissal might give rise to a systematic practice in particular by larger organisations , thus having a dissuasive effect on future whistleblowers .


### this directive should be without prejudice to the protection afforded to employees when reporting on breaches of union employment law . in particular , in the area of occupational safety and health , article 11 of framework directive 89 / 391 / eec already requires member states to ensure that workers or workers ' representatives shall not be placed at a disadvantage because of their requests or proposals to employers to take appropriate measures to mitigate hazards for workers and / or to remove sources of danger . workers and their representatives are entitled to raise issues with the competent national authorities if they consider that the measures taken and the means employed by the employer are inadequate for the purposes of ensuring safety and health . ### this directive should be without prejudice to the protection afforded to employees when reporting on breaches of union employment law . in particular , in the area of occupational safety and health , article 11 of framework directive 89 / 391 / eec already requires member states to ensure that workers or workers ' representatives shall not be placed at a disadvantage because of their requests or proposals to employers to take appropriate measures to mitigate hazards for workers and / or to remove sources of danger but does not foresee the right to report breaches .


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


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


### ‘ end - user’ means a natural or legal person who uses reclaimed water ; ### ‘ user’ means a natural or legal person or a public or private entity who uses reclaimed water for its intended use .


### in order to effectively protect the environment and human health , reclamation plant operators should be primarily responsible for the quality of reclaimed water . for the purposes of compliance with the minimum requirements and any additional conditions , set by the competent authority , reclamation plant operators should monitor the quality of reclaimed water . it is therefore appropriate to establish the minimum requirements for monitoring , consisting of the frequencies of the routine monitoring and the timing and performance targets for validation monitoring . certain requirements for routine monitoring are specified in accordance with directive 91 / 271 / eec . ### in order to effectively protect the environment and human health , reclamation plant operators should be primarily responsible for the quality of reclaimed water at the point of compliance , which will be the delivery point of reclaimed water . for the purposes of compliance with the minimum requirements and any additional conditions , set by the competent authority , reclamation plant operators should monitor the quality of reclaimed water . it is therefore appropriate to establish the minimum requirements for monitoring , consisting of the frequencies of the routine monitoring and the timing and performance targets for validation monitoring . certain requirements for routine monitoring are specified in accordance with directive 91 / 271 / eec .


### for the purposes of producing and supplying reclaimed water risk management shall be undertaken by the reclamation plant operator in consultation with the following actors : ### for the purposes of producing , distributing and supplying reclaimed water risk management shall be undertaken by the competent authority in cooperation with the following actors :


### it shall apply from . . . [ one year after the date of entry into force of this regulation ] . ### it shall apply from . . . [ two years after the date of entry into force of this regulation ] .


### member states shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to infringements of this regulation and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented . the penalties provided for shall be effective , proportionate and dissuasive . member states shall , by … [ three years after the date of entry into force of this regulation ] , notify the commission of those rules and of those measures and shall notify it of any subsequent amendment affecting them . ### member states shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to infringements of this regulation and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented . the penalties provided for shall be effective , proportionate and dissuasive . member states shall , by … [ five years after the date of entry into force of this regulation ] , notify the commission of those rules and of those measures and shall notify it of any subsequent amendment affecting them .


### ‘ reclamation plant’ means an urban waste water treatment plant or other plant that further treats urban waste water complying with the requirements set out in directive 91 / 271 / eec in order to produce water that is fit for a use specified in section 1 of annex i to this regulation ; ### ‘ reclamation facility’ means an urban waste water treatment plant or other plant that further treats urban waste water previously treated according to directive 91 / 271 / eec , in order to produce water that is fit for a use specified in section 1 of annex i to this regulation .


### the union’s ability to respond to the increasing pressure on water resources could be enhanced by wider reuse of treated waste water . directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council15 mentions the reuse of water as one of the supplementary measures member states may choose to apply to achieve the directive’s objectives of good qualitative and quantitative water status for surface waters and groundwaters . council directive 91 / 271 / eec16 requires that treated waste water be reused whenever appropriate . ___________________ 15 directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy oj l 327 , 22 . 12 . 2000 , p . 1 . 16 council directive 91 / 271 / eec of 21 may 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment . ### the union’s ability to respond to the increasing pressure on water resources could be enhanced by wider reuse of treated waste water , increasing its availability in terms of quality and quantity , limiting extraction from water bodies and groundwater , reducing the impact of discharges on water bodies receiving them and promoting water savings through the multiple use of urban waste water . directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council 15mentions the reuse of water as one of the supplementary measures member states may choose to apply to achieve the directive’s objectives of good qualitative and quantitative water status for surface waters and groundwaters . council directive 91 / 271 / eec16 requires that treated waste water be reused whenever appropriate . ___________________ 15 directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy oj l 327 , 22 . 12 . 2000 , p . 1 . 16 council directive 91 / 271 / eec of 21 may 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment .


### any other party deemed relevant by the reclamation plant operator . ### any other party deemed relevant by the competent authority .


### where non - compliance causes a significant risk to the environment or to human health , the reclamation plant operator shall immediately suspend any further supply of the reclaimed water until the competent authority determines that compliance has been restored . ### where the individual value of any parameter exceeds the maximum reference value set out in section 2 , point , paragraph 2 of annex i , the reclamation plant operator shall immediately suspend any further supply of the reclaimed water for a specific use . the competent authority shall determine that compliance has been restored for one or more specific uses only after the individual value of the parameter or parameters because of which supply was suspended has been below the maximum value in at least three successive and consecutive checks .


### this regulation lays down minimum requirements for water quality and monitoring and the obligation to carry out specified key risk management tasks , for the safe reuse of treated urban waste water in the context of integrated water management . ### this regulation lays down minimum requirements for reclaimed water quality and monitoring and the obligation to carry out specified key risk management tasks , for the safe reuse of treated urban waste water in the context of integrated water management .


### the communication from the commission to the european parliament and the council “addressing the challenge of water scarcity and droughts in the european union”18 sets out the hierarchy of measures that member states should consider in managing water scarcity and droughts . it states that in regions where all preventive measures have been implemented according to the water hierarchy and where demand for water still exceeds availability , additional water supply infrastructure can , in some circumstances and taking into account of the cost benefit dimension , serve as an alternative approach to mitigate the impacts of severe drought . __________________ 18 com 414 ### the communication from the commission to the european parliament and the council “addressing the challenge of water scarcity and droughts in the european union”18 sets out the hierarchy of measures that member states should consider in managing water scarcity and droughts . __________________ 18 com 414


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


### the reclamation plant operator shall draw - up a water reuse risk management plan based on the key risk management tasks set out in annex ii . the water reuse risk management plan shall propose any additional requirements to those specified in annex i necessary to further mitigate any risks , and shall , inter alia , identify hazards , risks and appropriate preventive measures . ### the competent authority shall draw - up a water reuse risk management plan based on the key risk management tasks set out in annex ii , point , and shall lay down the roles and responsibilities of the various actors involved . the water reuse risk management plan shall propose any additional requirements to those specified in annex i necessary to further mitigate any risks , and shall , inter alia , identify hazards , risks and appropriate preventive measures to be carried out by the various actors involved . risk management methods used by all the actors involved must be based on standardised , internationally recognised methodologies .


### in order to encourage confidence in water reuse , information should be provided to the public . making available of information on water reuse should allow for increased transparency and traceability and could also be of particular interest to other relevant authorities for whom the specific water reuse has implications . ### in order to encourage confidence in water reuse , information should be provided to the public . making available information on water reuse should allow for increased transparency and traceability and could also be of particular interest to other relevant authorities for whom the specific water reuse has implications . in order to encourage water reuse , member states should ensure the development of communication strategies that are specific , active and adapted to the different actors , to ensure that they are all aware of the urban water cycle , the need to reuse water and its benefits , thereby promoting stakeholder acceptance and involvement .


### ‘ reclaimed water’ means urban waste water that has been treated in compliance with the requirements set out in directive 91 / 271 / eec and which results from further treatment in a reclamation plant ; ### ‘ reused water’ means treated water which results from further treatment in a treatment plant ;


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


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


### ‘ end - user’ means a natural or legal person who uses reclaimed water ; ### ‘ user’ means a natural or legal person or a public or private entity who uses reclaimed water for its intended use .


### in order to effectively protect the environment and human health , reclamation plant operators should be primarily responsible for the quality of reclaimed water . for the purposes of compliance with the minimum requirements and any additional conditions , set by the competent authority , reclamation plant operators should monitor the quality of reclaimed water . it is therefore appropriate to establish the minimum requirements for monitoring , consisting of the frequencies of the routine monitoring and the timing and performance targets for validation monitoring . certain requirements for routine monitoring are specified in accordance with directive 91 / 271 / eec . ### in order to effectively protect the environment and human health , reclamation plant operators should be responsible for the quality of reclaimed water at the point of compliance . for the purposes of compliance with the minimum requirements and any additional conditions , set by the competent authority , reclamation plant operators should monitor the quality of reclaimed water . it is therefore appropriate to establish the minimum requirements for monitoring , consisting of the frequencies of the routine monitoring and the timing and performance targets for validation monitoring . certain requirements for routine monitoring are specified in accordance with directive 91 / 271 / eec . the distribution system operator and end - users should maintain the quality of reclaimed water intended for a specific use and should keep in place permanent risk management measures as laid down by this regulation .


### in order to encourage confidence in water reuse , information should be provided to the public . making available of information on water reuse should allow for increased transparency and traceability and could also be of particular interest to other relevant authorities for whom the specific water reuse has implications . ### in order to encourage confidence in water reuse , information should be provided to the public . making available of information on water reuse should allow for increased transparency and traceability , also to enable the effectiveness of the relevant waste water treatment policies to be monitored , and could also be of particular interest to other relevant authorities for whom the specific water reuse has implications .


### the union’s ability to respond to the increasing pressure on water resources could be enhanced by wider reuse of treated waste water . directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council15 mentions the reuse of water as one of the supplementary measures member states may choose to apply to achieve the directive’s objectives of good qualitative and quantitative water status for surface waters and groundwaters . council directive 91 / 271 / eec16 requires that treated waste water be reused whenever appropriate . __________________ 15 directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy . 16 council directive 91 / 271 / eec of 21 may 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment . ### the union’s ability to respond to the increasing pressure on water resources could be enhanced by wider reuse of treated waste water , increasing its availability in terms of quality and quantity , limiting extraction from water bodies and groundwater , reducing the impact of discharges on water bodies receiving them and promoting water savings through the multiple use of urban waste water . directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council15 mentions the reuse of water as one of the supplementary measures member states may choose to apply to achieve the directive’s objectives of good qualitative and quantitative water status for surface waters and groundwaters . council directive 91 / 271 / eec16 requires that treated waste water be reused whenever appropriate . __________________ 15 directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy . 16 council directive 91 / 271 / eec of 21 may 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment .


### set up and publish by &#8230 ; [ three years after the date of entry into force of this regulation ] , and update every 6 years thereafter , a data set containing information on the outcome of the compliance check performed in accordance with article 8 and other information to be made available online to the public in accordance with article 10 ; ### set up and publish by &#8230 ; [ five years after the date of entry into force of this regulation ] , and update every 6 years thereafter , a data set containing information on the outcome of the compliance check performed in accordance with article 8 and other information to be made available online to the public in accordance with article 10 ;


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


### in order to encourage confidence in water reuse , information should be provided to the public . making available of information on water reuse should allow for increased transparency and traceability and could also be of particular interest to other relevant authorities for whom the specific water reuse has implications . ### in order to encourage confidence in water reuse , information should be provided that is sufficient , up to date and accessible to the public . making available of information on water reuse should allow for increased transparency and traceability and could also be of particular interest to other relevant authorities for whom the specific water reuse has implications .


### the union’s ability to respond to the increasing pressure on water resources could be enhanced by wider reuse of treated waste water . directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council15 mentions the reuse of water as one of the supplementary measures member states may choose to apply to achieve the directive’s objectives of good qualitative and quantitative water status for surface waters and groundwaters . council directive 91 / 271 / eec16 requires that treated waste water be reused whenever appropriate . ___________________ 15 directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy oj l 327 , 22 . 12 . 2000 , p . 1 . 16 council directive 91 / 271 / eec of 21 may 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment . ### the union’s ability to respond to the increasing pressure on water resources could be enhanced by wider reuse of treated waste water , increasing its availability in terms of quality and quantity , limiting extraction from water bodies and groundwater , reducing the impact of discharges on water bodies receiving them and promoting water savings through the multiple use of urban waste water . directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council 15mentions the reuse of water as one of the supplementary measures member states may choose to apply to achieve the directive’s objectives of good qualitative and quantitative water status for surface waters and groundwaters . council directive 91 / 271 / eec16 requires that treated waste water be reused whenever appropriate . ___________________ 15 directive 2000 / 60 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 23 october 2000 establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy oj l 327 , 22 . 12 . 2000 , p . 1 . 16 council directive 91 / 271 / eec of 21 may 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment .


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


### ‘ reclaimed water’ means urban waste water that has been treated in compliance with the requirements set out in directive 91 / 271 / eec and which results from further treatment in a reclamation plant ; ### ‘ reclaimed water’ means treated water which results from further treatment in a reclamation plant ;


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


### this regulation lays down minimum requirements for water quality and monitoring and the obligation to carry out specified key risk management tasks , for the safe reuse of treated urban waste water in the context of integrated water management . ### this regulation lays down minimum requirements for reused urban waste water quality and monitoring and the obligation to carry out specified key risk management tasks , for the safe reuse of treated urban waste water in the context of integrated water management , and contributes to the objectives set out in directive 2000 / 60 / ec .


### any other means of organising and facilitating exchanges of information on convictions between central authorities of member states , including : ### any other technical means of organising and facilitating exchanges of information on convictions between central authorities of member states , including :


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