### the information referred to in article 3 shall be provided individually to the worker in the form of a document at the latest on the first day of the employment relationship . that document may be provided and transmitted electronically as long as it is easily accessible by the worker and can be stored and printed . ### the information referred to in article 3 shall be provided individually to the worker in the form of a written document before commencement of the employment relationship . at the request of the worker , that document may be provided and transmitted electronically as long as it is easily accessible by the worker and can be stored and printed .


### member states shall develop templates and models for the document referred to in paragraph 1 and put them at the disposal of workers and employers including by making them available on a single official national website and by other suitable means . ### member states , after consultation with social partners , shall develop templates and models for the document referred to in paragraph 1 and put them at the disposal of workers and employers including by making them available on a single official national website and by other suitable means .


### member states shall ensure that the information on the laws , regulations and administrative or statutory provisions or collective agreements governing the legal framework applicable which are to be communicated by employers is made generally available free of charge in a clear , transparent , comprehensive and easily accessible way at a distance and by electronic means , including through existing online portals for union citizens and businesses . ### member states shall ensure that the information on the laws , regulations and administrative or statutory provisions or collective agreements which have been declared universally applicable governing the legal framework applicable which are to be communicated by employers is made generally available free of charge in an easily accessible way at a distance and by electronic means , including through existing online portals for union citizens and businesses .


### the country or countries in which the work abroad is to be performed and its duration ; ### the country or countries as well as exact place or places in which the work abroad is to be performed and its duration ;


### member states shall ensure that , if the worker sent abroad is a posted worker covered by directive 96 / 71 / ec , he or she shall in addition be notified of : ### member states shall ensure that , if the worker sent abroad is a posted worker covered by directive 96 / 71 / ec , he or she shall in addition , as stated in article 4 , be notified of :


### employment in parallel ### employment with other employers


### member states shall ensure that where a worker ' s work schedule is entirely or mostly variable and entirely or mostly determined by the employer , the worker may be required to work by the employer only : ### member states shall ensure that an employer can only modify the pattern of normal working hours if the following conditions are met :


### if work takes place within predetermined reference hours and reference days , established in writing at the start of the employment relationship , in accordance with article 3 , and ### the modification is justified for objective reasons related to the type of work ;


### if the worker is informed by their employer of a work assignment a reasonable period in advance , in accordance with article 3 . ### the worker is informed of the pattern of the normal working hours for the respective week at least two weeks in advance , except in cases of emergency ;


### member states shall ensure that where employers are required by union or national legislation or relevant collective agreements to provide training to workers to carry out the work for which they are employed , such training shall be provided cost - free to the worker . ### member states shall ensure that where employers are required by union or national legislation or relevant collective agreements to provide training or instruction to workers to carry out the work for which they are employed , such training or instruction shall be provided cost - free to the worker .


### member states may allow social partners to conclude collective agreements , in conformity with the national law or practice , which , while respecting the overall protection of workers , establish arrangements concerning the working conditions of workers which differ from those referred to in articles 7 to 11 . ### member states may allow social partners to maintain , negotiate , conclude and enforce collective agreements , in conformity with the national law or practice , which , while respecting the overall protection of workers , establish arrangements concerning the working conditions of workers which differ from those referred to in articles 7 to 11 . member states with a high level of organisation and coverage for the collective agreements , and where the social partners have the primary responsibility to regulate working conditions , may determine that collective agreements concluded at the appropriate level by recognized social partners in accordance with national law , balancing the interests of workers and employers , shall be considered as respecting the overall protection of workers , as long as the purpose of this directive and european union law is respected .


### member states may allow social partners to conclude collective agreements , in conformity with the national law or practice , which , while respecting the overall protection of workers , establish arrangements concerning the working conditions of workers which differ from those referred to in articles 7 to 11 . ### member states shall allow social partners to conclude collective agreements , in conformity with the national law or practice , which , while respecting the overall protection of workers , establish arrangements concerning the working conditions of workers which differ from those referred to in articles 7 to 11 .


### member states shall ensure that , where a worker has not received in due time all or part of the documents referred to in article 4 , article 5 , or article 6 , and the employer has failed to rectify that omission within 15 days of its notification , one of the following systems shall apply : ### member states shall ensure that , where a worker has not received in due time all or part of the documents referred to in article 4 , article 5 , or article 6 , one of the following systems shall apply :


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that , when workers referred to in paragraph 2 establish , before a court or other competent authority , facts from which it may be presumed that there has been such dismissal or its equivalent , it shall be for the respondent to prove that the dismissal was based on grounds other than those referred to in paragraph 1 . ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that , when workers referred to in paragraph 2 establish , before a court or other competent authority , facts from which it may be presumed that there has been such dismissal or its equivalent , it shall be for the respondent to prove that the dismissal was based on grounds other than those referred to in paragraph 1 . dismissal shall not take effect until the matter has been resolved .


### this directive shall not constitute valid grounds for reducing the general level of protection already afforded to workers within member states . ### this directive does not constitute valid grounds for reducing the level of protection already afforded to workers within member states in any form . member states shall gradually improve the level of protection for workers within the areas which fall under the scope of this directive .


### the justice , rights and values fund and its two underlying funding programmes will focus primarily on people and entities which contribute to make our common values , rights and rich diversity alive and vibrant . the ultimate objective is to nurture and sustain our rights - based , equal , inclusive and democratic society . that includes a vibrant civil society , encouraging people’s democratic , civic and social participation and to fostering the rich diversity of european society , also based on our common history and memory . article 11 of the eu treaty further specifies that the institutions shall , by appropriate means , give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of union action . ### the justice , rights and values fund and its two underlying funding programmes will focus primarily on people and entities which contribute to make our common values , rights and rich diversity alive and vibrant . the ultimate objective is to revive , nurture and sustain our rights - based , equal , inclusive and democratic society . that includes a strong civil society , enabling people’s democratic , civic and social participation and to fostering the rich diversity of european society , also based on reviving our common history and memory . article 11 of the eu treaty further specifies that the institutions shall , by appropriate means , give the people in europe and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of union action .


### the treaty on the functioning of the european union provides for the creation of an area of freedom , security and justice , with respect for fundamental rights and the different legal systems and traditions of the member states . to that end , the union may adopt measures to develop judicial cooperation in civil matters and judicial cooperation in criminal matters and to promote and support the action of member states in the field of crime prevention . respect for fundamental rights as well as for common principles and values , such as non - discrimination , gender equality , effective access to justice for all , the rule of law and a well - functioning independent judicial system shall be ensured in the further development of a european area of justice . ### full respect for and promotion of the rule of law and democracy is fundamental to building people ' s trust in the union . respect for the rule of law within the union is a prerequisite for the protection of fundamental rights , as well as for upholding all rights and obligations enshrined in the treaties . the treaty on the functioning of the european union provides for the creation of an area of freedom , security and justice , with respect for fundamental rights and the different legal systems and traditions of the member states . the way in which the rule of law is implemented in the member states plays a vital role in ensuring mutual trust among member states and between their legal systems . the programme should therefore promote and safeguard fundamental rights , democracy and the rule of law at local , regional , national and transnational levels . to that end , the union may adopt measures to develop judicial cooperation in civil matters and judicial cooperation in criminal matters and to promote and support the action of member states in the field of crime prevention , especially focusing on environmental crimes and violations of fundamental rights , such as human trafficking , as well as other serious cross border crimes . respect for fundamental rights as well as for common principles and values , such as non - discrimination , gender equality , effective access to justice for all victims on non - discriminatory grounds , the rule of law and a well - functioning independent judicial system should be ensured in the further development of a european area of justice , putting emphasis on the cross border nature of judicial cooperation in relation to external action instruments .


### pursuant to articles 81 and 82 of the treaty on the functioning of the eu , the union shall support the training of the judiciary and judicial staff as a tool to improve judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters based on the principle of mutual recognition of judgments and of judicial decisions . training of justice professionals is an important tool to develop a common understanding of how best to uphold the rule of law . it contributes to the building of the european area of justice by creating a common judicial culture among justice professionals of the member states . it is essential to ensure the correct and coherent application of law in the union and mutual trust between justice professionals in cross - border proceedings . the training activities supported by the programme should be based on sound training needs’ assessments , use state of the art training methodology , include cross - border events gathering justice professionals of different member states , comprise active learning and networking elements and be sustainable . ### pursuant to articles 81 and 82 of the treaty on the functioning of the eu , the union shall support the training of the judiciary and judicial staff as a tool to improve judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters based on the principle of mutual recognition of judgments and of judicial decisions . training of justice professionals is an important tool to develop a common understanding of how best to uphold the rule of law and as duty - bearers how to best serve the people in europe . it contributes to the building of the european area of justice by creating a common judicial culture among justice professionals of the member states . it is essential to ensure the non - discriminatory , correct and coherent application of law in the union and mutual trust between justice professionals in cross - border proceedings . the training activities supported by the programme should be based on sound training needs’ assessments , use state of the art training methodology , include cross - border events gathering justice professionals , including also those working for human rights organisations , of different member states , comprise awareness - raising trainings , active learning and networking elements and be sustainable . awareness - raising trainings should include trainings about the challenges and obstacles experienced by ethnic minorities , such as the roma , lgbti people , persons with disabilities , victims of gender - based and other forms of interpersonal violence , trafficking , and victims of hate speech and hate crime . these trainings should be provided with the direct involvement of victims and the organisations representing and / or helping them .


### pursuant to articles 81 and 82 of the treaty on the functioning of the eu , the union shall support the training of the judiciary and judicial staff as a tool to improve judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters based on the principle of mutual recognition of judgments and of judicial decisions . training of justice professionals is an important tool to develop a common understanding of how best to uphold the rule of law . it contributes to the building of the european area of justice by creating a common judicial culture among justice professionals of the member states . it is essential to ensure the correct and coherent application of law in the union and mutual trust between justice professionals in cross - border proceedings . the training activities supported by the programme should be based on sound training needs ' assessments , use state of the art training methodology , include cross - border events gathering justice professionals of different member states , comprise active learning and networking elements and be sustainable . ### pursuant to articles 81 and 82 of the treaty on the functioning of the eu , the union shall support the training of the judiciary and judicial staff as a tool to improve judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters based on the principle of mutual recognition of judgments and of judicial decisions . training of justice professionals is an important tool to develop a common understanding of how best to uphold the rule of law . it contributes to the building of the european area of justice by creating a common judicial culture among justice professionals of the member states . it is essential to ensure the correct and coherent application of law in the union and mutual trust between justice professionals in cross - border proceedings and applicability and implementation of the union ' s shared values , especially fundamental rights in legal practice . the training activities supported by the programme should be based on sound training needs ' assessments , use state of the art training methodology , include cross - border events gathering justice professionals of different member states , comprise active learning and networking elements and be sustainable .


### judicial training can involve different actors , such as member states’ legal , judicial and administrative authorities , academic institutions , national bodies responsible for judicial training , european - level training organisations or networks , or networks of court coordinators of union law . bodies and entities pursuing a general european interest in the field of training of the judiciary , such as the european judicial training network , the academy of european law , the european network of councils for the judiciary , the association of the councils of state and supreme administrative jurisdictions of the european union , the network of the presidents of supreme judicial courts of the european union and the european institute of public administration , should continue to play their role in promoting training programmes with a genuine european dimension for the judiciary and judicial staff , and could therefore be granted adequate financial support in accordance with the procedures and the criteria set out in the annual work programmes adopted by the commission pursuant to this regulation . ### judicial training can involve different actors , such as member states’ legal , judicial and administrative authorities , academic institutions , national bodies responsible for judicial training , european - level training organisations or networks , civil society representatives , or networks of court coordinators of union law . bodies and entities pursuing a general european interest in the field of training of the judiciary , such as the european judicial training network , the academy of european law , the european network of councils for the judiciary , the association of the councils of state and supreme administrative jurisdictions of the european union , the network of the presidents of supreme judicial courts of the european union and the european institute of public administration , should continue to play their role in promoting training programmes with a genuine european dimension for the judiciary and judicial staff , and could therefore be granted adequate financial support in accordance with the procedures and the criteria set out in the annual work programmes adopted by the commission pursuant to this regulation .


### pursuant to article 3 of the teu , article 24 of the charter and the 1989 united nations convention on the rights of the child , the programme should support the protection of the rights of the child , and should mainstream the promotion of the rights of the child in the implementation of all of its actions . ### pursuant to article 3 of the teu , article 24 of the charter and the 1989 united nations convention on the rights of the child and welcoming international labour organization conventions and recommendations on child labour , the programme should support the protection of the rights of the child , and should mainstream the promotion of the rights of the child in the implementation of all of its actions .


### pursuant to article 67 tfeu , the union should constitute an area of freedom , security and justice with respect for fundamental rights , to which access to justice is instrumental . in order to facilitate effective access to justice , and with a view to foster the mutual trust which is indispensable for the good functioning of the area of freedom , security and justice , it is necessary to extend financial support to activities of other authorities than judicial authorities and legal practitioners , as well as of civil society organisations , which contribute to these objectives . ### pursuant to article 67 tfeu , the union should constitute an area of freedom , security and justice with respect for fundamental rights , to which access to justice is instrumental for each citizen regardless of their nationality , gender or religion . in order to facilitate effective access to justice , and with a view to foster the mutual trust which is indispensable for the good functioning of the area of freedom , security and justice , it is necessary to extend financial support to activities of other authorities than judicial authorities and legal practitioners , as well as of civil society organisations , which contribute to these objectives .


### pursuant to article 67 tfeu , the union should constitute an area of freedom , security and justice with respect for fundamental rights , to which access to justice is instrumental . in order to facilitate effective access to justice , and with a view to foster the mutual trust which is indispensable for the good functioning of the area of freedom , security and justice , it is necessary to extend financial support to activities of other authorities than judicial authorities and legal practitioners , as well as of civil society organisations , which contribute to these objectives . ### pursuant to article 67 tfeu , the union should constitute an area of freedom , security and justice with respect for fundamental rights , to which equal access to justice is instrumental . in order to facilitate effective and equal access to justice , and with a view to foster the mutual trust which is indispensable for the good functioning of the area of freedom , security and justice , it is necessary to extend financial support to activities of other authorities than judicial authorities and legal practitioners , as well as of civil society organisations , which contribute to these objectives .


### actions covered by this regulation should contribute to the creation of a european area of justice , increasing cross - border cooperation and networking and achieving the correct , coherent and consistent application of union law . funding activities should also contribute to a common understanding of the union’s values , the rule of law , to better knowledge of union law and policies , to sharing know - how and best practices in using judicial cooperation instruments by all concerned stakeholders , as well as to a proliferation of interoperable digital solutions underpinning seamless and efficient cross - border cooperation , and should provide a sound analytical basis to support the development , enforcement and proper implementation of union law and policies . union intervention allows for those actions to be pursued consistently across the union and brings economies of scale . moreover , the union is in a better position than member states to address cross - border situations and to provide a european platform for mutual learning . ### actions covered by this regulation should contribute to the creation of a european area of justice , increasing cross - border cooperation and networking and achieving the correct , coherent and consistent application of union law . funding activities should also contribute to a common understanding of the union’s values , the rule of law , to better knowledge of union law and policies , to sharing know - how and best practices in using judicial cooperation instruments by all concerned stakeholders , as well as to promote interoperable digital solutions underpinning seamless and efficient cross - border cooperation , and should provide a sound analytical basis to support the development , enforcement and proper implementation of union law and policies . union financial intervention allows for those actions to be pursued consistently across the union and brings economies of scale . moreover , the union is in a better position than member states to address cross - border situations and to provide a european platform for mutual learning .


### the commission should ensure overall consistency , complementarity and synergies with the work of union bodies , offices and agencies , such as eurojust , eu - lisa and the european public prosecutor office , and should take stock of the work of other national and international actors in the areas covered by the programme . ### the commission should ensure overall consistency , complementarity and synergies with the work of union bodies , offices and agencies , such as eurojust , eu - lisa and the european public prosecutor office , and should evaluate the work of other national and international actors in the areas covered by the programme and recommend improvements , when necessary .


### the commission should ensure overall consistency , complementarity and synergies with the work of union bodies , offices and agencies , such as eurojust , eu - lisa and the european public prosecutor office , and should take stock of the work of other national and international actors in the areas covered by the programme . ### the commission should ensure overall consistency , complementarity and synergies with the work of union bodies , offices and agencies , such as eurojust , fra , eu - lisa and the european public prosecutor office , and should take stock of the work of other national and international actors in the areas covered by the programme .


### it is necessary to ensure the european added value of all actions and activities carried out within the programme , their complementarity to member states’ activities , and their consistency with other union activities . in order to ensure efficient allocation of funds from the general budget of the union , consistency , complementarity and synergies should be sought between funding programmes supporting policy areas with close links to each other , in particular within the justice , rights and values fund – and thus with the rights and values programme - and between the programme and the single market programme , border management and security , in particular the asylum and migration and the internal security funds , strategic infrastructure in particular the digital europe programme , the erasmus + programme , the framework programme for research and innovation , the instrument for pre - accession assistance , and the life regulation13 . _________________ 13 regulation no 1293 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 on the establishment of a programme for the environment and climate action and repealing regulation no 614 / 2007 text with eea relevance ### it is necessary to ensure the european added value of all actions and activities carried out within the programme , their complementarity to member states’ activities , and their consistency with other union activities . in order to ensure efficient allocation of funds from the general budget of the union , consistency , complementarity and synergies should be sought between funding programmes supporting policy areas with close links to each other , in particular within the justice , rights and values fund – and thus with the rights and values programme - and between the programme and the single market programme , border management and security , in particular the asylum and migration and the internal security funds , strategic infrastructure in particular the digital europe programme , the european social fund + , the erasmus + programme , the framework programme for research and innovation , the instrument for pre - accession assistance , and the life regulation13 . _________________ 13 regulation no 1293 / 2013 of the european parliament and of the council of 11 december 2013 on the establishment of a programme for the environment and climate action and repealing regulation no 614 / 2007 text with eea relevance


### third countries which are members of the european economic area may participate in union programmes in the framework of the cooperation established under the eea agreement , which provides for the implementation of the programmes by a decision under that agreement . third countries may also participate on the basis of other legal instruments . a specific provision should be introduced in this regulation to grant the necessary rights for and access to the authorizing officer responsible , the european anti - fraud office as well as the european court of auditors to comprehensively exert their respective competences . ### third countries which are members of the european economic area may participate in union programmes in the framework of the cooperation established under the eea agreement , which provides for the implementation of the programmes by a decision under that agreement . third countries may also participate on the basis of other legal instruments . a specific provision should be introduced in this regulation to grant the necessary rights for and access to the authorizing officer responsible , human rights bodies and networks including national institutions responsible for the protection of human rights in each member state , bodies and networks responsible for non - discrimination and equality policies , ombudsmen , the european agency for fundamental rights , the european anti - fraud office as well as the european court of auditors to comprehensively exert their respective competences and enhance their synergies and cooperation .


### pursuant to [ reference to be updated as appropriate according to a new decision on octs : article 94 of council decision 2013 / 755 / eu1 ] , persons and entities established in overseas countries and territories are eligible for funding subject to the rules and objectives of the programme and possible arrangements applicable to the member state to which the relevant overseas country or territory is linked . __________________ 1 council decision 2013 / 755 / eu of 25 november 2013 on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the european union . ### pursuant to [ reference to be updated as appropriate according to a new decision on octs : article 94 of council decision 2013 / 755 / eu1 ] , persons and entities established in overseas countries and territories are eligible for funding subject to the rules and objectives of the programme and possible arrangements applicable to the member state to which the relevant overseas country or territory is linked . the programme needs to ensure that such persons and entities are sufficiently informed about their eligibility for funding . __________________ 1 council decision 2013 / 755 / eu of 25 november 2013 on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the european union .


### the programme has the general objective of contributing to the further development of a european area of justice based on the rule of law , on mutual recognition and mutual trust ; ### the programme has the general objective of contributing to the further development of a european area of freedom , security and justice based on the rule of law , democracy and fundamental rights , on mutual recognition and mutual trust ;


### to facilitate effective access to justice for all and effective redress , including by electronic means , by promoting efficient civil and criminal procedures and by promoting and supporting the rights of victims of crime as well as the procedural rights of suspects and accused persons in criminal proceedings . ### to facilitate effective , equal and discrimination free access to justice for all and effective redress , including by electronic means , by promoting efficient civil and criminal procedures and by promoting and supporting the rights of victims of crime , particularly women and children , as well as the procedural rights of suspects and accused persons in criminal proceedings .


### the programme may provide funding in any of the forms laid down in the financial regulation . ### the programme may provide funding , through action grants and multiannual operating grants , in any of the forms laid down in the financial regulation , including the use of lump sums , unit costs , flat rates and cascading grants . voluntary work shall be considered eligible when co - funding is required as in kind contributions .


### indicators to report on progress of the programme towards the achievement of the specific objectives set out in article 3 are set out in annex ii . ### indicators to report on progress of the programme towards the achievement of the specific objectives set out in article 3 are set out in annex ii . the data collected for monitoring and reporting shall , where applicable , be disaggregated by gender , age and staff category .


### the performance reporting system shall ensure that data for monitoring programme implementation and results are collected efficiently , effectively , and in a timely manner . to that end , proportionate reporting requirements shall be imposed on recipients of union funds and member states . ### the performance reporting system shall ensure that data for monitoring programme implementation and results are collected efficiently , effectively , and in a timely manner . to that end , proportionate reporting requirements shall be imposed on recipients of union funds and member states . the commission shall make available user - friendly formats and provide orientation and support , in particular to applicants and beneficiaries who may not have the adequate resources and staff to meet reporting requirements .


### the commission shall be assisted by a committee . this committee shall be a committee within the meaning of regulation no 182 / 2011 . ### the commission shall be assisted by a committee . this committee shall be a committee within the meaning of regulation no 182 / 2011 , and should be assisted by the relevant civil society and human rights organisations . gender balance and appropriate representation of minority and other excluded groups in the committee shall be safeguarded .


### mutual learning through exchange of good practices among stakeholders to improve knowledge and mutual understanding of the civil and criminal law and the legal and judicial systems of the member states , including the rule of law , and enhancing mutual trust ; ### mutual learning through exchange of good practices among stakeholders , including ngos and human rights organisations , to improve knowledge and mutual understanding of the civil and criminal law and the legal and judicial systems of the member states , including the rule of law , and enhancing mutual trust ;


### training relevant stakeholders to improve the knowledge of union policies and union law including inter alia substantive and procedural law , the use of eu judicial cooperation instruments , the relevant case - law of the court of justice of the european union , legal language and of comparative law . ### training relevant stakeholders , including ngos , to improve the knowledge of union policies and union law including inter alia substantive and procedural law , the use of eu judicial cooperation instruments , the relevant case - law of the court of justice of the european union , legal language and of comparative law .


### awareness raising , dissemination of information to improve the knowledge of union policies and of union law including substantive and procedural law , of judicial cooperation instruments , of the relevant case - law of the court of justice of the european union , and of comparative law and of european and international standards ; ### awareness raising , dissemination of information to improve the knowledge of union policies and of union law including substantive and procedural law , of judicial cooperation instruments , of the relevant case - law of the court of justice of the european union , and of comparative law and of european and international standards , with a special focus on increasing the understanding of multi - , cross - and interdisciplinary areas of law , such as trade and human rights , and on how to facilitate extraterritorial litigation ;


### mutual learning through exchange of good practices among stakeholders to improve knowledge and mutual understanding of the civil and criminal law and the legal and judicial systems of the member states , including the rule of law , and enhancing mutual trust ; ### mutual learning through exchange of good practices among stakeholders including civil society organisations , to improve knowledge and mutual understanding of the civil and criminal law and the legal and judicial systems of the member states , including the rule of law , and enhancing mutual trust ;


### training relevant stakeholders to improve the knowledge of union policies and union law including inter alia substantive and procedural law , the use of eu judicial cooperation instruments , the relevant case - law of the court of justice of the european union , legal language and of comparative law . ### training relevant stakeholders including civil society organisations active in the defence of victims and in redress to improve the knowledge of union policies and union law including inter alia substantive and procedural law , use of collective redress and universal jurisdiction , the use of eu judicial cooperation instruments , the relevant case - law of the court of justice of the european union , legal language and of comparative law , in order to improve victim’s access to justice in cross - border incidents .


### information and communication technology tools development and maintenance to improve the efficiency of judicial systems and their cooperation by means of information and communication technology , including the cross - border interoperability of systems and applications . ### information and communication technology tools development and maintenance to improve the efficiency of judicial systems and their cooperation by means of information and communication technology , including the cross - border interoperability of systems and applications , privacy and data protection .


### developing capacity of key european level networks and european judicial networks , including networks established by union law to ensure the effective application and enforcement of union law , to promote and further develop union law , policy goals and strategies in the areas of the programme , as well as supporting civil society organisations active in the areas covered by the programme . ### developing capacity of key european level networks and european judicial networks , including networks established by union law to ensure the effective application and enforcement of union law , to promote and further develop union law , policy goals and strategies in the areas of the programme , as well as involving civil society organisations active in the areas covered by the programme .


### the programme will be monitored on the basis of a set of indicators intended to measure the extent to which the general and specific objectives of the programme have been achieved and with a view to minimising administrative burdens and costs . to that end , data will be collected as regards the following set of key indicators : ### the programme will be monitored on the basis of a set of indicators intended to measure the extent to which the general and specific objectives of the programme have been achieved and with a view to minimising administrative burdens and costs . qualitative indicators shall be included for the assessment . to that end , data will be collected as regards the following set of key indicators :


### number of members of the judiciary and judicial staff who participated in training activities funded by the programme , including by the operating grant of the ejtn ### number of members of the judiciary and judicial staff , disaggregated by gender , who participated in training activities funded by the programme , including by the operating grant of the ejtn


### number of people reached by : ### number of people , disaggregated by gender , reached by :


### proposal for a regulation of the european parliament and of the council on addressing geo - blocking and other forms of discrimination based on customers ' nationality , place of residence or place of establishment within the internal market and amending regulation no 2006 / 2004 and directive 2009 / 22 / ec ### proposal for a regulation of the european parliament and of the council on addressing unjustified geo - blocking and other forms of discrimination based on customers ' nationality , place of residence or place of establishment within the internal market and amending regulation no 2006 / 2004 and directive 2009 / 22 / ec


### pursuant to article 20 of directive 2006 / 123 / ec of the european parliament and of the council17 , member states are to ensure that service providers established in the union do not treat recipients of services differently on the basis of their nationality or place of residence . however , that provision has not been fully effective in combatting discrimination and it has not sufficiently reduced legal uncertainty , particularly because of the possibility to justify the differences in treatment for which it allows and the corresponding difficulties in enforcing it in practice . moreover , geo - blocking and other forms of discrimination based on nationality , place of residence or place of establishment can also arise as a consequence of actions by traders established in third countries , which fall outside the scope of that directive . _________________ 17 directive 2006 / 123 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 12 december 2006 on services in the internal market . ### pursuant to article 20 of directive 2006 / 123 / ec of the european parliament and of the council17 , member states are to ensure that service providers established in the union do not treat recipients of services differently on the basis of their nationality or place of residence . however , that provision has not been fully effective in combatting discrimination and it has not sufficiently reduced legal uncertainty , particularly because of the possibility to justify the differences in treatment for which it allows and the corresponding difficulties in enforcing it in practice . moreover , unjustified geo - blocking and other forms of discrimination based on nationality , place of residence or place of establishment can also arise as a consequence of actions by traders established in third countries , which fall outside the scope of that directive . _________________ 17 directive 2006 / 123 / ec of the european parliament and of the council of 12 december 2006 on services in the internal market .


### this regulation aims at preventing discrimination based on customers ' nationality , place of residence or place of establishment , including geo - blocking , in cross - border commercial transactions between traders and customers relating to the sales of goods and the provision of services within the union . it seeks to address direct as well as indirect discrimination , thus also covering unjustified differences of treatment on the basis of other distinguishing criteria which lead to the same result as the application of criteria directly based on customers ' nationality , place of residence or place of establishment . such other criteria can be applied , in particular , on the basis of information indicating the physical location of customers , such as the ip address used when accessing an online interface , the address submitted for the delivery of goods , the choice language made or the member state where the customer ' s payment instrument has been issued . ### this regulation aims at preventing discrimination based on customers ' nationality , place of residence or place of establishment , including geo - blocking , in cross - border commercial transactions between traders and customers relating to the sales of goods and the provision of services within the union ; the activities referred to in article 2 of directive 2006 / 123 / ec are excluded from the scope of its application . it seeks to address direct as well as indirect discrimination , thus also covering unjustified differences of treatment on the basis of other distinguishing criteria which lead to the same result as the application of criteria directly based on customers ' nationality , place of residence or place of establishment . such other criteria can be applied , in particular , on the basis of information indicating the physical location of customers , such as the ip address used when accessing an online interface , the address submitted for the delivery of goods , the choice of language made or the member state where the customer ' s payment instrument has been issued .


### this regulation should not affect acts of union law concerning judicial cooperation in civil matters , notably the provisions on the law applicable to contractual obligations and on jurisdiction set out in regulations no 593 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council24 and 1215 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council25 , including the application of those acts and provisions in individual cases . in particular , the mere fact that a trader acts in accordance with the provisions of this regulation should not be construed as implying that he directs his activities to the consumer ' s member state for the purpose of such application . _________________ 24 regulation no 593 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 june 2008 on the law applicable to contractual obligations . 25 regulation no 1215 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council of 12 december 2012 on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters . ### this regulation should not affect acts of union law concerning judicial cooperation in civil matters , notably the provisions on the law applicable to contractual obligations and on jurisdiction set out in regulations no 593 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council24 and 1215 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council25 , including the application of those acts and provisions in individual cases . in particular , the mere fact that a trader acts in accordance with the provisions of this regulation should not be construed as implying that he directs his activities to the consumer ' s member state for the purpose of such application and should not , therefore , be read as an obligation to sell . _________________ 24 regulation no 593 / 2008 of the european parliament and of the council of 17 june 2008 on the law applicable to contractual obligations . 25 regulation no 1215 / 2012 of the european parliament and of the council of 12 december 2012 on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters .


### ' online interface ' means any software , including a website and applications , operated by or on behalf of a trader , which serves to give customers access to the trader ' s goods or services with a view to engaging in a commercial transaction with respect to those goods or services ; ### ' online interface ' means any software , including a website , or some part thereof , and applications , operated by or on behalf of a trader , which serves to give customers access to the trader ' s goods or services with a view to engaging in a commercial transaction with respect to those goods or services ;


### in the event of such redirection with the customer ' s explicit consent , the original version of the online interface shall remain easily accessible for that customer . ### in the event of such redirection with the customer ' s explicit consent , the version of the online interface which the customer initially sought to access shall remain easily accessible for that customer .


### member states may benefit from support in addressing challenges as regards the design and implementation of structural reforms . these challenges may be dependent on various factors , including limited administrative and institutional capacity or inadequate application and implementation of union legislation . ### member states may benefit from support in addressing challenges as regards the design and implementation of growth friendly structural reforms . these challenges may be dependent on various factors , including the inadequate design of reforms , limited administrative and institutional capacity or inadequate application and implementation of union legislation .


### further to a dialogue with the requesting member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission should analyse the request , taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on urgency , breadth and depth of the problems as identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged , analysis of socioeconomic indicators , and the general administrative capacity of the member state . the commission should also , in close cooperation with the member state concerned , identify the priority areas , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support , taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes . ### further to a dialogue with the requesting member state , including in the context of the european semester , which should prioritise investment , growth , employment and socially progressive policies the commission should analyse the request , taking into account the principles of transparency , respect for the role of the social partners equal treatment and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on urgency , breadth and depth of the problems as identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged , analysis of socioeconomic indicators , and the general administrative capacity of the member state . the commission should also , in close cooperation with the member state concerned , identify the priority areas , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support , taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes .


### further to a dialogue with the requesting member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission should analyse the request , taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on urgency , breadth and depth of the problems as identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged , analysis of socioeconomic indicators , and the general administrative capacity of the member state . the commission should also , in close cooperation with the member state concerned , identify the priority areas , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support , taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes . ### further to a dialogue with the requesting member state , the commission should analyse the request , taking into account the principles of transparency , respect for social partners , equal treatment and sound financial management and determine the support to be provided based on urgency , breadth and depth of the problems as identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas envisaged , analysis of socioeconomic indicators , and the general administrative capacity of the member state . the commission should also , in close cooperation with the member state concerned , identify the priority areas , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support , taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes .


### their contribution to the consistent and coherent implementation of union law ; ### their contribution to the consistent and coherent implementation of union law and of community policies ;


### the general objective of the programme shall be to contribute to institutional , administrative and structural reforms in the member states by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions , governance , administration , economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges with a view to enhancing competitiveness , growth , jobs , and investment , in particular in the context of economic governance processes , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . ### the general objective of the programme shall be to contribute to institutional , administrative and structural reforms in the member states by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions , governance , administration , economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges , the correct implementation and promotion of union law and community policies with a view to enhancing competitiveness , growth , jobs , and investment , in particular in the context of economic governance processes , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds .


### the general objective of the programme shall be to contribute to institutional , administrative and structural reforms in the member states by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming institutions , governance , administration , economic and social sectors in response to economic and social challenges with a view to enhancing competitiveness , growth , jobs , and investment , in particular in the context of economic governance processes , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds . ### the general objective of the programme shall be to support member states in boosting growth investment and the creation of quality employment through institutional , administrative and growth friendly structural reforms in the member states by providing support to national authorities for measures aimed at reforming and strengthening or establishing institutions , governance , administration in response to economic and social challenges with a view to preserving the european social model and enhancing cohesion , equal opportunities , competitiveness , sustainable growth , jobs , and investment , including through assistance for the efficient and effective use of the union funds .


### to achieve the general objective set out in article 4 , the programme shall have the following specific objectives : ### to achieve the general objective set out in article 4 , the programme shall have the following specific objectives that shall be pursued in close cooperation with beneficiary member states :


### to assist the initiatives of national authorities to design their reforms according to priorities , taking into account initial conditions and expected socio - economic impacts ; ### to assist the initiatives of national authorities to design their reforms in such a way that they promote growth and social well - being according to priorities , taking into account initial conditions and expected socio - economic impacts ;


### the specific objectives set out in paragraph 1 shall refer to policy areas related to competitiveness , growth , jobs and investment , in particular to the following : ### the specific objectives set out in paragraph 1 shall refer to policy areas related to competitiveness , growth , jobs , social cohesion and investment , in particular to the following :


### institutional reform and efficient and service - oriented functioning of public administration , effective rule of law , reform of the justice system and reinforcement of anti - fraud , anti - corruption and anti - money laundering ; ### institutional reform and efficient and service - oriented functioning of public administration , effective rule of law , including the correct application of eu law and community policies , reform of the justice system and reinforcement of anti - fraud , anti - corruption and anti - money laundering ;


### institutional reform and efficient and service - oriented functioning of public administration , effective rule of law , reform of the justice system and reinforcement of anti - fraud , anti - corruption and anti - money laundering ; ### institutional reform and efficient and high - quality public service - oriented functioning of public administration , effective rule of law , reform of the justice system and reinforcement of anti - fraud , anti - corruption and anti - money laundering ;


### institutional reform and efficient and service - oriented functioning of public administration , effective rule of law , reform of the justice system and reinforcement of anti - fraud , anti - corruption and anti - money laundering ; ### institutional reform and efficient and service - oriented functioning of public administration fostering public goods , effective rule of law , reform of the justice system and reinforcement of anti - fraud , anti - corruption and anti - money laundering as well as policies aiming at combating tax evasion ;


### a member state wishing to receive support under the programme shall submit a request for support to the commission , identifying the policy areas and the priorities for support within the scope of the programme as set out in article 5 . this request shall be submitted at the latest by 31 october of each calendar year . ### a member state wishing to receive support under the programme shall submit a request for support to the commission , identifying the policy areas and the priorities for support within the scope of the programme as set out in article 5 . this request shall be submitted at the latest by 31 october of each calendar year after consultation with the social partners and civil society organisations .


### taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment and sound financial management , further to a dialogue with the member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency , breadth and depth of the problems identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned , analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the member state . taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes , the commission in close cooperation with the member state concerned shall identify the priority areas for support , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support . ### taking into account the principles of transparency , equal treatment , respect for social partners and sound financial management , further to a dialogue with the member state , including in the context of the european semester , the commission shall analyse the request for support referred to in paragraph 1 based on the urgency , breadth and depth of the problems identified , support needs in respect of the policy areas concerned , analysis of socioeconomic indicators and general administrative capacity of the member state . taking into account the existing actions and measures financed by union funds or other union programmes , in particular european structural and investment funds and efsi , the commission in close cooperation with the member state concerned shall identify the priority areas for support , the scope of the support measures to be provided and the global financial contribution for such support .


### the implementation of reforms in the context of economic governance processes , in particular of the relevant country specific recommendations issued in the context of the european semester or of relevant actions related to the implementation of union law ; ### the implementation of reforms in the context of economic governance processes , in particular of the relevant country specific recommendations issued in the context of the european semester or of relevant actions related to the implementation of union law ; the main objectives of the reforms shall be growth , the stimulation of investment , the creation of good jobs , the promotion of high - quality education and social protection , equal opportunities and the fight against poverty .


### the implementation of reforms in the context of economic governance processes , in particular of the relevant country specific recommendations issued in the context of the european semester or of relevant actions related to the implementation of union law ; ### the implementation of reforms in the context of economic governance processes , in particular of the relevant country specific recommendations issued in the context of the european semester or of relevant actions related to the implementation of union law , aiming in particular at economic growth , quality job creation , social cohesion , equal opportunities , combating poverty and fair competition ;


### pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the inter - institutional agreement for better law - making of 13 april 201654 , there is a need to evaluate this programme on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements , while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens , in particular on member states . these requirements , where appropriate , can include measurable indicators , as a basis for evaluating the effects of the programme on the ground . _________________ 54 interinstitutional agreement between the european parliament , the council of the european union and the european commission on better law - making of 13 april 2016 ; oj l 123 , 12 . 5 . 2016 , p . 1–14 . ### pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the inter - institutional agreement for better law - making of 13 april 201654 , there is a need to evaluate this programme on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements , while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens , in particular on member states . these requirements , where appropriate , can include measurable quantitative and qualitative indicators , as a basis for evaluating the effects of the programme on the ground . _________________ 54 interinstitutional agreement between the european parliament , the council of the european union and the european commission on better law - making of 13 april 2016 ; oj l 123 , 12 . 5 . 2016 , p . 1–14 .


### the tallinn digital summit55 of september 2017 and the conclusions of the european council56 of 19 october 2017 indicated the need for europe to invest in digitising our economies and addressing the skills gap to maintain and enhance european competitiveness , our quality of life and social fabric . the european council concluded that the digital transformation offers immense opportunities for innovation , growth and jobs , will contribute to our global competitiveness , and enhance creative and cultural diversity . seizing these opportunities requires collectively tackling some of the challenges posed by the digital transformation and reviewing policies affected by the digital transformation . _________________ 55 https : / / www . eu2017 . ee / news / insights / conclusions - after - tallinn - digital - summit 56 https : / / www . consilium . europa . eu / media / 21620 / 19 - euco - final - conclusions - en . pdf ### the tallinn digital summit55 of september 2017 and the conclusions of the european council56 of 19 october 2017 indicated the need for europe to invest in digitising our economies and addressing the skills gap to maintain and enhance european competitiveness , our quality of life and social fabric . the european council concluded that the digital transformation offers immense opportunities for innovation , growth and jobs , will contribute to our global competitiveness , and enhance creative and cultural diversity . seizing these opportunities requires collectively tackling some of the challenges posed by the digital transformation and reviewing policies affected by the digital transformation while putting focus on investment in human capital and citizens needs in terms of upskilling and reskilling in order for them to fully benefit of the digital single market . _________________ 55 https : / / www . eu2017 . ee / news / insights / conclusions - after - tallinn - digital - summit 56 https : / / www . consilium . europa . eu / media / 21620 / 19 - euco - final - conclusions - en . pdf


### the tallinn digital summit55 of september 2017 and the conclusions of the european council56 of 19 october 2017 indicated the need for europe to invest in digitising our economies and addressing the skills gap to maintain and enhance european competitiveness , our quality of life and social fabric . the european council concluded that the digital transformation offers immense opportunities for innovation , growth and jobs , will contribute to our global competitiveness , and enhance creative and cultural diversity . seizing these opportunities requires collectively tackling some of the challenges posed by the digital transformation and reviewing policies affected by the digital transformation . _________________ 55 https : / / www . eu2017 . ee / news / insights / conclusions - after - tallinn - digital - summit 56 https : / / www . consilium . europa . eu / media / 21620 / 19 - euco - final - conclusions - en . pdf ### the tallinn digital summit55 of september 2017 and the conclusions of the european council56 of 19 october 2017 indicated the need for europe to invest in digitising our economies and addressing the skills gap to maintain and enhance european competitiveness , our quality of life and social fabric . the european council concluded that the digital transformation offers immense opportunities for innovation , growth and jobs , will contribute to our global competitiveness , whilst enhancing not only the cultural and creative sector but also cultural and linguistic diversity . seizing these opportunities requires collectively tackling some of the challenges posed by the digital transformation and digital monopolies and reviewing policies affected by the digital transformation . _________________ 55 https : / / www . eu2017 . ee / news / insights / conclusions - after - tallinn - digital - summit 56 https : / / www . consilium . europa . eu / media / 21620 / 19 - euco - final - conclusions - en . pdf


### the european council concluded in particular that the union should urgently address emerging trends : this includes issues such as artificial intelligence and distributed ledgers technologies , while at the same time ensuring a high level of data protection , digital rights and ethical standards . the european council invited the commission to put forward a european approach to artificial intelligence by early 2018 and called on the commission to put forward the necessary initiatives for strengthening the framework conditions with a view to enable the eu to explore new markets through risk - based radical innovations and to reaffirm the leading role of its industry . ### the european council concluded in particular that the union should urgently address emerging trends : this includes issues such as digital divide , artificial intelligence and distributed ledgers technologies , while at the same time ensuring a high level of data protection , skills rights and ethical standards . the european council invited the commission to put forward a european approach to artificial intelligence by early 2018 and called on the commission to put forward the necessary initiatives for strengthening the framework conditions with a view to enable the eu to explore new markets through risk - based radical innovations and to reaffirm the leading role of its industry .


### the commission ' s communication on ' a new , modern multiannual financial framework for a european union that delivers efficiently on its priorities post - 2020 ' 57 outlines among the options for the future financial framework a programme for europe ' s digital transformations to deliver ' strong progress towards smart growth in areas such as high quality data infrastructure , connectivity and cybersecurity ' . it would seek to secure european leadership in supercomputing , next generation internet , artificial intelligence , robotics and big data . it would reinforce the competitive position of industry and businesses in europe across the digitised economy and would have a significant impact on filling the skills gap across the union . _________________ 57 com 98 final ### the commission ' s communication on ' a new , modern multiannual financial framework for a european union that delivers efficiently on its priorities post - 2020 ' 57 outlines among the options for the future financial framework a programme for europe ' s digital transformations to deliver ' strong progress towards smart growth in areas such as high quality data infrastructure , connectivity and cybersecurity ' . it would seek to secure european leadership in supercomputing , next generation internet , artificial intelligence , robotics and big data . it should reinforce the competitive position of industry and businesses in europe across the digitised economy and it should ensure that european citizens have the necessary skills competences and knowledge to face the digital transformation of our societies and economies . _________________ 57 com 98 final


### the general objective of the programme should be to support the digital transformation of industry and to foster better exploitation of the industrial potential of policies of innovation , research and technological development , for the benefit of businesses and citizens all over the union . the programme should be structured into five specific objectives reflecting key policy areas , namely : high - performance computing , cybersecurity , artificial intelligence , advanced digital skills , and deployment , best use of digital capacities and interoperability . for all these areas , the programme should also aim at better aligning union , member states and regional policies , and pooling of private and industrial resources in order to increase investment and develop stronger synergies . ### the general objective of the programme should be to support the digital transformation of industry and to foster better exploitation of the industrial potential of innovation and research policies , as well as the full use of r&d results , technological development and european and international standards , for the benefit of businesses and citizens all over the union . the programme should be structured into five specific objectives reflecting key policy areas , namely : high - performance computing , cybersecurity , artificial intelligence , advanced digital skills , and deployment , best use of digital capacities and interoperability .


### a central role in the implementation of the programme should be attributed to digital innovation hubs , which should stimulate the broad adoption of advanced digital technologies by industry , by public organisations and academia . a network of digital innovation hubs should ensure the widest geographical coverage across europe59 . a first set of digital innovation hubs will be selected based on member states’ proposals and then the network will be enlarged through an open and competitive process . the digital innovation hubs will serve as access points to latest digital capacities including high performance computing , artificial intelligence , cybersecurity , as well as other existing innovative technologies such as key enabling technologies , available also in fablabs or citylabs . they shall act as single - entry points in accessing tested and validated technologies and promote open innovation . they will also provide support in the area of advanced digital skills . the network of digital innovation hubs should also contribute to the participation of the outermost regions in the digital single market . _________________ 59 as indicated in the communication on digitising european industry 180 final ) ### a central role in the implementation of the programme should be attributed to digital innovation hubs , which should stimulate the broad adoption of advanced digital technologies by industry , by public organisations and academia . a network of digital innovation hubs should ensure the widest geographical coverage across europe59 while privileging remote areas and the eu poorest regions . a first set of digital innovation hubs will be selected based on member states’ proposals taking into account criteria such as geographical situation , demographic trends , regional skills forecasts needs and then the network will be enlarged through an open and competitive process . the digital innovation hubs will serve as access points to latest digital capacities including high performance computing , artificial intelligence , cybersecurity , as well as other existing innovative technologies such as key enabling technologies , available also in fablabs or citylabs . they shall act as single - entry points in accessing tested and validated technologies and promote open innovation . they will also provide support in the area of advanced digital skills . the network of digital innovation hubs should also contribute to the participation of the outermost regions in the digital single market . _________________ 59 as indicated in the communication on digitising european industry 180 final )


### a central role in the implementation of the programme should be attributed to digital innovation hubs , which should stimulate the broad adoption of advanced digital technologies by industry , by public organisations and academia . a network of digital innovation hubs should ensure the widest geographical coverage across europe59 . a first set of digital innovation hubs will be selected based on member states’ proposals and then the network will be enlarged through an open and competitive process . the digital innovation hubs will serve as access points to latest digital capacities including high performance computing , artificial intelligence , cybersecurity , as well as other existing innovative technologies such as key enabling technologies , available also in fablabs or citylabs . they shall act as single - entry points in accessing tested and validated technologies and promote open innovation . they will also provide support in the area of advanced digital skills . the network of digital innovation hubs should also contribute to the participation of the outermost regions in the digital single market . _________________ 59 as indicated in the communication on digitising european industry 180 final ) ### a central role in the implementation of the programme should be attributed to digital innovation hubs , which should stimulate the broad adoption of advanced digital technologies by industry , smes , local start - ups by public organisations and academia taking into account the specific sectorial needs at regional level . a network of digital innovation hubs should ensure the widest geographical coverage across europe59 giving a preference to the poorest region in the eu . a first set of digital innovation hubs will be selected based on member states’ proposals and then the network will be enlarged through an open and competitive process . the digital innovation hubs will serve as access points to latest digital capacities including high performance computing , artificial intelligence , cybersecurity , as well as other existing innovative technologies such as key enabling technologies , available also in fablabs or citylabs . they shall act as single - entry points in accessing tested and validated technologies and promote open innovation . they will also provide support in the area of advanced digital skills . the network of digital innovation hubs should also contribute to the participation of the outermost regions in the digital single market . _________________ 59 as indicated in the communication on digitising european industry 180 final )


### the high performance computing and the related data processing capacities in the union should allow to ensure wider use of high performance computing by industry and , more generally , in areas of public interest in order to seize unique opportunities that supercomputers bring to society as regards health , environment and security as well as competitiveness of industry , notably small and medium - sized enterprises . ### the high performance computing and the related data processing capacities in the union should allow to ensure wider use of high performance computing by industry and , more generally , in areas of public interest in order to seize unique opportunities that supercomputers bring to society as regards health , environment and security as well as competitiveness of industry , notably start - ups , micro , small and medium - sized enterprises .


### in its resolution of 1 june 2017 on digitising european industry67 the european parliament stated that education , training and lifelong learning are the cornerstone of social cohesion in a digital society . _________________ 67 document ref . a8 - 0183 / 2017 , available at : http : / / www . europarl . europa . eu / sides / getdoc . do ? type=ta&language=en&reference=p8 - ta - 2017 - 0240 ### in its resolution of 1 june 2017 on digitising european industry67 the european parliament stated that education , training and lifelong learning are the cornerstone of social cohesion in a digital society . it emphasised as well the importance of basic digital skills which should encompass knowledge of the possibilities that digital skills offer , advanced use of basic digital tools , safe internet behaviour and search methodologies to identify credible sources , and promote awareness - raising about rights online . it would also contribute to allowing citizens to have a critical understanding of different forms of digital media and thereby increasing and enhancing the resources and opportunities offered by ‘ digital literacy’ . _________________ 67 document ref . a8 - 0183 / 2017 , available at : http : / / www . europarl . europa . eu / sides / getdoc . do ? type=ta&language=en&reference=p8 - ta - 2017 - 0240


### the advanced digital technologies supported by this programme , such as high performance computing , cybersecurity and artificial intelligence are now sufficiently mature to move beyond the research arena and be deployed , implemented and scaled - up at union level . just as the deployment of these technologies require a union response so does the skills dimension . training opportunities in advanced digital skills need to be scaled up , increased and made accessible throughout the eu . failing this could impede the smooth deployment of advanced digital technologies and hamper the overall competitiveness of union ' s economy . the actions supported by this programme are complementary to those supported by the esf , erdf and horizon europe programmes . ### the advanced digital technologies supported by this programme , such as high performance computing , cybersecurity and artificial intelligence are now sufficiently mature to move beyond the research arena and be deployed , implemented and scaled - up at union level . just as the deployment of these technologies require a union response so does the skills dimension . learning and training opportunities , including on - the - job training , blended and distance learning in advanced digital skills need to be scaled up , increased and made accessible throughout the eu . failing this could impede the smooth deployment of advanced digital technologies and hamper the overall competitiveness of union ' s economy . the actions supported by this programme are complementary to those supported by the esf , erdf and horizon europe and erasmus programmes .


### the digital transformation of the areas of public interest such as healthcare68 , mobility , justice , earth / environmental monitoring , education and culture requires the continuation and expansion of digital service infrastructures , which make secure cross - border exchange of data possible and foster national development . their coordination under this regulation best achieves the potential for exploiting synergies . _________________ 68 http : / / ec . europa . eu / newsroom / dae / document . cfm ? doc_id=51628 ### the digital transformation of the areas of public interest such as healthcare68 , mobility , justice , earth / environmental monitoring , education and training and culture requires the continuation and expansion of digital service infrastructures , which make secure cross - border exchange of data possible and foster national development . their coordination under this regulation best achieves the potential for exploiting synergies . _________________ 68 http : / / ec . europa . eu / newsroom / dae / document . cfm ? doc_id=51628


### ' digital innovation hub ' means legal entity designated or selected in an open and competitive procedure in order to fulfil the tasks under the programme , in particular providing access to technological expertise and experimentation facilities , such as equipment and software tools to enable the digital transformation of the industry . ### ' digital innovation hub ' means legal entity designated or selected in an open and competitive procedure , in order to fulfil the tasks under the programme , in particular providing access to technological expertise and experimentation facilities , such as equipment and software tools , as well as specialised trainings in advance digital skills , to enable the digital transformation of the industry and the digital empowerment of all european citizens .


### support , together with member states , the procurement of advanced cybersecurity equipment , tools and data infrastructures in full compliance with data protection legislation ; ### support , together with member states , the procurement of advanced cybersecurity equipment , tools and data infrastructures in full compliance with data protection legislation supported by the development of voluntary standards ;


### support the design and delivery of long - term trainings and courses for students , it professionals and the workforce ; ### support the design and delivery of long - term trainings and courses , including blended&#160 ; learning for students , citizens of all ages in need of upskilling , teachers and trainers , it professionals and the workforce ;


### support the design and delivery of short - term trainings and courses for entrepreneurs , small business leaders and the workforce ; ### support the design and delivery of short - term trainings and courses , including blended learning , for entrepreneurs , small business and start - ups leaders and the workforce , as well as citizens of all ages in need of upskilling ;


### support on - the - job trainings and traineeships for students , young entrepreneurs and graduates . ### support on - the - job trainings , included blended learning and traineeships for students , young entrepreneurs and graduates , as well as citizens of all ages in need of upskilling .


### additional digital innovation hubs shall be selected on the basis of an open and competitive process , in such a way to ensure the widest geographical coverage across europe . the number of entities of the network shall be proportional to the population of a given member states and there shall be at least one digital innovation hub per member state . to address the specific constraints faced by the eu outermost regions , specific entities may be nominated to cover their needs . ### additional digital innovation hubs shall be selected on the basis of an open and competitive process , in such a way to ensure the widest geographical coverage across europe . the number of entities of the network shall be proportional to the population of a given member states and there shall be at least one digital innovation hub per member state , while giving a preference to the poorest regions in each member state , taking into account the demographic situation and the regional skills forecast needs . to address the specific constraints faced by the eu outermost regions , specific entities may be nominated to cover their needs .


### indicators to monitor the implementation and progress of the programme in achieving the general and specific objectives set out in article 3 are set in the annex ii . ### quantitative and qualitative indicators to monitor the implementation and progress of the programme in achieving the general and specific objectives set out in article 3 are set in the annex ii .


### the programme shall support easy access to advanced digital skills , notably in hpc , ai , distributed ledgers and cybersecurity for the current and future labour force by offering students , recent graduates , and existing workers , wherever they are situated , with the means to acquire and develop these skills . ### the programme shall support easy access and training opportunities in advanced digital skills , notably in hpc , ai , distributed ledgers and cybersecurity for the current and future labour force by offering students , recent graduates or citizens of all ages in need of upskilling , and existing workers , wherever they are situated , with the means to acquire and develop these skills .


### access to on the job training by taking part in traineeships in competence centres and companies deploying advanced technologies . ### access to on the job training and blended learning opportunities&#160 ; by taking part in traineeships in competence centres and companies deploying advanced technologies .


### the council of [ … ] adopted revised guidelines for the employment policies of the member states to align the text with the principles of the european pillar of social rights , with a view to improving europe’s competitiveness and making it a better place to invest , create jobs and foster social cohesion . in order to ensure the full alignment of the esf + with the objectives of these guidelines , particularly as regards employment , education , training and the fight against social exclusion , poverty and discrimination , the esf + should support member states , taking account of the relevant integrated guidelines and relevant country - specific recommendations adopted in accordance with article 121 tfeu and article 148 tfeu and , where appropriate , at national level , the national reform programmes underpinned by national strategies . the esf + should also contribute to relevant aspects of the implementation of key union initiatives and activities , in particular the “skills agenda for europe” and the european education area , relevant council recommendations and other initiatives such as the youth guarantee , upskilling pathways and on integration of the long - term unemployed . ### the guidelines for the employment policies of the member states adopted by the council in accordance with article 148 , namely : boosting the demand for labour ; enhancing labour supply : access to employment , skills and competences ; enhancing the functioning of labour markets and the effectiveness of social dialogue and promoting equal opportunities for all , fostering social inclusion and combatting poverty , together with the broad economic guidelines adopted in accordance with article 121 form part of the integrated guidelines underpinning the europe 2020 strategy . the council of [ … ] adopted revised guidelines for the employment policies of the member states to align them with the principles of the european pillar of social rights , with a view to , stimulate creation of jobs and foster social cohesion , thus improving europe’s competitiveness and making the union a better place to invest . in order to ensure the full alignment of the esf + with the objectives of the guidelines , for the employment policies , member states should programme the esf + support , taking account of those guidelines , relevant for them , as well as of relevant country - specific recommendations adopted in accordance with article 148 tfeu and , at national level , the employment and social aspects of the national reform programmes underpinned by national strategies . the esf + should also contribute to relevant aspects of the implementation of key union initiatives and activities , in particular the “skills agenda for europe” and the european education area , the youth guarantee and other relevant council recommendations and other initiatives such as investing in children : breaking the cycle of disadvantage , the upskilling pathways , on integration of the long - term unemployed , a quality framework for traineeships and apprenticeships and the action plan on the integration of third - country nationals .


### the council of [ … ] adopted revised guidelines for the employment policies of the member states to align the text with the principles of the european pillar of social rights , with a view to improving europe ' s competitiveness and making it a better place to invest , create jobs and foster social cohesion . in order to ensure the full alignment of the esf + with the objectives of these guidelines , particularly as regards employment , education , training and the fight against social exclusion , poverty and discrimination , the esf + should support member states , taking account of the relevant integrated guidelines and relevant country - specific recommendations adopted in accordance with article 121 tfeu and article 148 tfeu and , where appropriate , at national level , the national reform programmes underpinned by national strategies . the esf + should also contribute to relevant aspects of the implementation of key union initiatives and activities , in particular the ' skills agenda for europe ' and the european education area , relevant council recommendations and other initiatives such as the youth guarantee , upskilling pathways and on integration of the long - term unemployed . ### the council of [ … ] adopted revised guidelines for the employment policies of the member states to align the text with the principles of the european pillar of social rights , with a view to improving europe ' s competitiveness and making it a better place to invest , create jobs and foster social cohesion . in order to ensure the full alignment of the esf + with the objectives of these guidelines , particularly as regards employment , education , training and the fight against social exclusion , poverty and discrimination , the esf + should support member states at national , regional and local level , taking account of the relevant integrated guidelines and relevant country - specific recommendations adopted in accordance with article 121 tfeu and article 148 tfeu and , where appropriate , at national level , the national reform programmes underpinned by national strategies . the esf + should also contribute to an upward social convergence&#160 ; in the eu and to relevant aspects of the implementation of key union initiatives and activities , in particular the ' skills agenda for europe ' and the european education area , relevant council recommendations and other initiatives such as the youth guarantee , upskilling pathways and on integration of the long - term unemployed . to strengthen the european dimension of the programme , the esf + should continue to support the activities under its transnational platform .


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


### regulation no [ the new fr ] lays down rules on the implementation of the union budget , including the rules on grants , prizes , procurement , indirect implementation , financial assistance , financial instruments and budgetary guarantees . in order to ensure coherence in the implementation of union funding programmes , the financial regulation is to apply to the actions to be implemented in direct or indirect management under the esf + . ### regulation no [ the new fr ] lays down rules on the implementation of the union budget , including the rules on grants , prizes , procurement , indirect implementation , financial assistance , financial instruments and budgetary guarantees . in order to ensure coherence in the implementation of union funding programmes , the financial regulation is to apply to the actions to be implemented in direct or indirect management under the esf + . this regulation should specify the operational objectives and lay down the specific provisions concerning the eligible actions that may be financed by the esf + under direct and indirect management .


### regulation no [ the new fr ] lays down rules on the implementation of the union budget , including the rules on grants , prizes , procurement , indirect implementation , financial assistance , financial instruments and budgetary guarantees . in order to ensure coherence in the implementation of union funding programmes , the financial regulation is to apply to the actions to be implemented in direct or indirect management under the esf + . ### regulation no [ the new fr ] lays down rules on the implementation of the union budget , including the rules on grants , prizes , procurement , indirect implementation , financial assistance , financial instruments and budgetary guarantees and synergies between financial instruments . in order to ensure coherence in the implementation of union funding programmes , the financial regulation is to apply to the actions to be implemented in direct or indirect management under the esf + .


### in order to streamline and simplify the funding landscape and create additional opportunities for synergies through integrated funding approaches , the actions which were supported by the fund for european aid to the most deprived , the european union programme for employment and social innovation and the programme for the union’s action in the field of health should be integrated into one esf + . the esf + should therefore include three strands : the esf + strand under shared management , the employment and social innovation strand , and the health strand . this should contribute to reducing the administrative burden linked to the management of different funds , in particular for member states , whilst maintaining simpler rules for simpler operations such as the distribution of food and / or basic material assistance . ### in order to streamline and simplify the funding landscape and create additional opportunities for synergies through integrated funding approaches , the actions which were supported by the fund for european aid to the most deprived , the european union programme for employment and social innovation and the programme for the union ' s action in the field of health should be integrated into one esf + . the esf + should therefore include three strands : the social cohesion and social rights strand under shared management , the employment and social innovation strand , and the health strand under direct and indirect management . this should contribute to reducing the administrative burden linked to the management of different funds , in particular for member states , whilst maintaining simpler rules for simpler operations such as the distribution of food and / or basic material assistance .