### member states shall take measures to facilitate the application of the web - accessibility requirements as defined in article 3 to all public sector bodies ' websites beyond those concerned , in particular , to public sector bodies ' websites covered by existing national laws or relevant measures on web - accessibility . ### member states shall take measures to facilitate the application of the web - accessibility requirements as defined in article 3 to all public sector bodies ' websites beyond those concerned , in particular , to public sector bodies ' websites covered by existing national laws or relevant measures on web - accessibility . the member states shall introduce a legal requirement to ensure that public bodies developing websites and other interested parties are made aware of web - accessibility . furthermore , it shall be mandatory for the member states to offer training schemes for the staff of public bodies , with a view to improving the practical application of web - accessibility requirements .


### those provisions also ensure that the operations supported shall comply with applicable union and national laws , notably in regard to the safety of the goods that are distributed to the most deprived persons . ### those provisions also ensure that the operations supported shall comply with applicable union and national laws , notably in regard to the safety of the food products that are distributed to deprived persons .


### the operational programme of each member state should identify and justify the forms of material deprivation to be addressed , and describe the objectives and features of the assistance to the most deprived persons that will be provided through the support of national schemes . it should also include elements necessary to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the operational programme . ### the operational programme of each member state should identify and justify the forms of material deprivation to be addressed , and describe the objectives and features of the assistance to deprived persons that will be provided through the support of national schemes . it should also include elements necessary to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the operational programme .


### in order to monitor the progress of operational programmes implementation , the member states should draw up and provide to the commission annual and final implementation reports thus ensuring the availability of essential and up - to - date date information . for the same purposes , commission and each member state should meet every year for a bilateral review , except if they agree otherwise . ### in order to monitor the progress of operational programmes implementation , the member states should , in cooperation with the non - governmental organisations involved , draw up and provide to the commission annual and final implementation reports thus ensuring the availability of essential and up - to - date date information . for the same purposes , commission and each member state should meet every year for a bilateral review , except if they agree otherwise .


### citizens have the right to know how the union’s financial resources are invested and to what effects . for the purpose of ensuring wide dissemination of information about the achievements of the fund and to ensure accessibility and transparency of funding opportunities , detailed rules about information and communication , especially in relation to the responsibilities of the member states and the beneficiaries , should be set out . ### citizens have the right to know how the union’s financial resources are invested and to what effects . for the purpose of ensuring wide dissemination of information about the achievements of the fund and to ensure accessibility and transparency of funding opportunities , detailed rules about information and communication , especially in relation to the responsibilities of the member states and the beneficiaries , should be set out in such a way that the dignity of the end recipients is not undermined .


### [ proposal for a ] regulation of the european parliament and of the council establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products 5 provides that products bought under public intervention may be disposed of by making them available for the scheme for food distribution to the most deprived in the union if that scheme so provides . given that , depending on the circumstances , obtaining of food from the use , processing or sale of such stocks might be economically the most favourable option , it is appropriate to provide for such a possibility in this regulation . the amounts derived from a transaction concerning the stocks should be used for the benefit of the most deprived , and should not be applied so as to diminish the obligation of the member states to cofinance the programme . in order to ensure the most efficient possible use of the intervention stocks and the proceeds thereof , the commission should in accordance with article 19 of the regulation no [ cmo ] adopt implementing acts establishing procedures by which the products in intervention stocks may be used , processed or sold for the purposes of the most deprived programme . ### regulation no . . . . of the european parliament and of the council establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products of . . . / 20xx provides that products bought under public intervention may be disposed of by making them available for the scheme for food distribution to the most deprived in the union if that scheme so provides . given that , depending on the circumstances , obtaining of food from the use , processing or sale of such stocks might be economically the most favourable option , it is appropriate to provide for such a possibility in this regulation . the amounts derived from a transaction concerning the stocks should be used for the benefit of the most deprived and should not diminish the allocated budget per member state . in order to ensure the most efficient possible use of the intervention stocks and the proceeds thereof , the commission should in accordance with article 19 of the regulation no [ cmo ] adopt implementing acts establishing procedures by which the products in intervention stocks may be used , processed or sold for the purposes of the most deprived programme .


### [ proposal for a ] regulation of the european parliament and of the council establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products provides that products bought under public intervention may be disposed of by making them available for the scheme for food distribution to the most deprived in the union if that scheme so provides . given that , depending on the circumstances , obtaining of food from the use , processing or sale of such stocks might be economically the most favourable option , it is appropriate to provide for such a possibility in this regulation . the amounts derived from a transaction concerning the stocks should be used for the benefit of the most deprived , and should not be applied so as to diminish the obligation of the member states to co - finance the programme . in order to ensure the most efficient possible use of the intervention stocks and the proceeds thereof , the commission should in accordance with article 19 of the regulation no [ cmo ] adopt implementing acts establishing procedures by which the products in intervention stocks may be used , processed or sold for the purposes of the most deprived programme . ### [ proposal for a ] regulation of the european parliament and of the council establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products provides that products bought under public intervention may be disposed of by making them available for the scheme for food distribution to deprived persons in the union if that scheme so provides . given that , depending on the circumstances , obtaining of food from the use , processing or sale of such stocks might be economically the most favourable option , it is appropriate to provide for such a possibility in this regulation . the amounts derived from a transaction concerning the stocks should be used for the benefit of deprived persons , and should not be applied so as to diminish the obligation of the member states to co - finance the programme . in order to ensure the most efficient possible use of the intervention stocks and the proceeds thereof , the commission should in accordance with article 19 of the regulation no [ cmo ] adopt implementing acts establishing procedures by which the products in intervention stocks may be used , processed or sold for the purposes of the deprived persons programme .


### it is necessary to specify the types of actions that can be undertaken at the initiative of the commission and of the member states as technical assistance supported by the fund . ### in order to ensure broad support within society for the most deprived persons , member states should remove obstacles , especially fiscal and administrative obstacles , relating to the donation of food or basic consumer goods by enterprises to food banks , civil society organisations and other actors involved .


### the frequency of audits on operations should be proportionate to the extent of the union ' s support from the fund . in particular , the number of audits carried out should be reduced where the total eligible expenditure for an operation does not exceed eur 100 000 . nevertheless , it should be possible to carry out audits at any time where there is evidence of an irregularity or fraud , or as part of an audit sample . in order that the level of auditing by the commission is proportionate to the risk , the commission should be able to reduce its audit work in relation to operational programmes where there are no significant deficiencies or where the audit authority can be relied on . in addition , the scope of audits should take fully into account the objective and the features of the target populations of the fund . ### the frequency of audits on operations should be proportionate to the extent of the union ' s support from the fund . in particular , the number of audits carried out should be reduced where the total eligible expenditure for an operation does not exceed eur 100 000 . nevertheless , it should be possible to carry out audits at any time where there is evidence of an irregularity or fraud , or as part of an audit sample . in order that the level of auditing by the commission is proportionate to the risk , the commission should be able to reduce its audit work in relation to operational programmes where there are no significant deficiencies or where the audit authority can be relied on . in addition , the scope of audits should take fully into account the objective and the features of the target populations of the fund , as well as the voluntary nature of the beneficiary bodies .


### this regulation respects fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , including respect for human dignity and for private and family life , the right to the protection of personal data , the rights of the child , the rights of the elderly , equality between men and women , and the prohibition of discrimination . this regulation must be applied according to these rights and principles . ### this regulation respects fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , including respect for human dignity and for private and family life , the right to the protection of personal data , the rights of the child , the right to social assistance and housing , the rights of the elderly , equality between men and women , and the prohibition of discrimination . this regulation must be applied according to these rights and principles .


### this regulation respects fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , including respect for human dignity and for private and family life , the right to the protection of personal data , the rights of the child , the rights of the elderly , equality between men and women , and the prohibition of discrimination . this regulation must be applied according to these rights and principles . ### this regulation respects fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , including respect for human dignity and for private and family life , the right to the protection of personal data , the rights of the child , the right to social and housing assistance , the rights of the elderly , equality between men and women , and the prohibition of discrimination . this regulation must be applied according to these rights and principles .


### this regulation establishes the fund for european aid to the most deprived for the period from 1 january 2014 to 31 december 2020 and determines the objectives of the fund , the scope of its support , the financial resources available and the criteria for their allocation and lays down the rules necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the fund . ### this regulation establishes the fund for european aid to the most deprived for the period from 1 january 2014 to 31 december 2020 and determines the objectives of the fund , the scope of its support , the financial resources available and the criteria for their allocation and lays down the rules necessary to ensure that the fund is effective and easy to implement .


### this regulation establishes the fund for european aid to the most deprived for the period from 1 january 2014 to 31 december 2020 and determines the objectives of the fund , the scope of its support , the financial resources available and the criteria for their allocation and lays down the rules necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the fund . ### this regulation establishes the fund for european food aid to deprived persons for the period from 1 january 2014 to 31 december 2020 and determines the objectives of the fund , the scope of its support , the financial resources available and the criteria for their allocation and lays down the rules necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the fund .


### ' most deprived persons ' means physical persons , whether individuals , families , households or groups composed of such persons , whose need for assistance has been established according to the objective criteria adopted by the national competent authorities , or defined by the partner organisations and which are approved by those competent authorities ; ### ' deprived persons ' means physical persons , whether individuals , families , households or groups composed of such persons , whose need for assistance has been established according to the objective criteria adopted by the national competent authorities , or defined by the partner organisations and which are approved by those competent authorities ;


### ' most deprived persons ' means physical persons , whether individuals , families , households or groups composed of such persons , whose need for assistance has been established according to the objective criteria adopted by the national competent authorities , or defined by the partner organisations and which are approved by those competent authorities ; ### ) ' most deprived persons ' means physical persons , whether individuals , families , households or groups composed of such persons , whose need for assistance has been established according to the objective criteria defined by the national competent authorities , in cooperation with the regional or local authorities concerned and with the partner organisations and which are approved by those competent authorities ;


### article 2 ### article 2 ' accompanying measures ' means measures going beyond the distribution of food and goods , with the aim of overcoming social exclusion and improving the living conditions of end recipients , with the aim of re - integrating them in society and enabling them to live a self - determined and independent life ;


### the fund shall promote social cohesion in the union by contributing to achieving the poverty reduction target of at least 20 million of the number of persons at risk of poverty and social exclusion in accordance with the europe 2020 strategy . the fund shall contribute to achieving the specific objective of alleviating the worst forms of poverty in the union by providing non - financial assistance to the most deprived persons . this objective shall be measured by the number of persons receiving assistance from the fund . ### the fund shall promote social cohesion in the union by contributing to achieving the poverty reduction target of at least 20 million of the number of persons at risk of poverty and social exclusion in accordance with the europe 2020 strategy . the fund shall contribute to achieving the specific objective of alleviating the worst forms of poverty in the union by providing non - financial assistance to deprived persons . this objective shall be measured by the number of persons receiving assistance from the fund .


### article 3 the fund shall promote social cohesion in the union by contributing to achieving the poverty reduction target of at least 20 million of the number of persons at risk of poverty and social exclusion in accordance with the europe 2020 strategy . the fund shall contribute to achieving the specific objective of alleviating the worst forms of poverty in the union by providing non - financial assistance to the most deprived persons . this objective shall be measured by the number of persons receiving assistance from the fund . ### article 3 the fund shall promote social cohesion in the union by contributing to achieving the poverty reduction target of at least 20 million of the number of persons at risk of poverty and social exclusion in accordance with the europe 2020 strategy . the fund shall contribute to achieving the specific objective of alleviating the worst forms of poverty in the union by providing non - financial assistance to the most deprived persons and promoting sustainable solutions for the eradication of food poverty . this objective shall be measured by the number of persons receiving tangible assistance and assistance from accompanying measures , as well as its impact on support structures for the most deprived persons .


### the fund may support accompanying measures , complementing the provision of food and goods , contributing to the social inclusion of the most deprived persons . ### the fund may support accompanying measures , complementing the provision of food , contributing to the social inclusion of deprived persons .


### the commission and the member states shall ensure that equality between men and women and the integration of the gender perspective are promoted during the various stages of the implementation of the fund . the commission and the member states shall take appropriate steps to prevent any discrimination based on sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation in obtaining access to the fund . ### the commission and the member states shall ensure that equality between men and women and the integration of the gender perspective are promoted during the various stages of the implementation of the fund . the commission and the member states shall take appropriate steps to prevent any discrimination based on sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , place of residence , age or sexual orientation in obtaining access to the fund .


### operations financed by the fund shall comply with applicable union and national law . in particular , the fund may only be used to support distribution of food or goods that are in conformity with the union legislation on consumer product safety . ### operations financed by the fund shall comply with applicable union and national law . in particular , the fund may only be used to support distribution of food or goods that are in conformity with the union legislation on consumer product safety . in order to prevent waste and to encourage the donation of food products which have not been sold or consumed because their expiry dates have passed , the commission should make the definitions of use - by date and best - before date contained in eu rules clearer for distributors and consumers , so that foods which can still safely be eaten are not thrown away .


### member states and the bodies designated by them for that purpose shall be responsible for implementing the operational programmes and carrying out their tasks under this regulation in accordance with the institutional , legal and financial framework of the member state and subject to compliance with this regulation . ### member states and the bodies designated by them for that purpose , or , where appropriate , the competent regional authorities , shall be responsible for implementing the operational programmes and carrying out their tasks under this regulation in accordance with the institutional , legal and financial framework of the member state and subject to compliance with this regulation .


### the commission and the member states shall ensure that equality between men and women and the integration of the gender perspective are promoted during the various stages of the implementation of the fund . the commission and the member states shall take appropriate steps to prevent any discrimination based on sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation in obtaining access to the fund . ### the commission and the member states undertake to promote equality between men and women and the integration of the gender perspective during the various stages of the implementation of the fund . the commission and the member states shall take appropriate steps to prevent any discrimination based on sex , racial or ethnic origin , religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation in obtaining access to the fund .


### article 9 member state may submit a request for amendment of the operational programme . it shall be accompanied by the revised operational programme and the justification for the amendment . ### article 9 a member state may submit a request for amendment of the operational programme . it shall be accompanied by the revised operational programme and the justification for the amendment .


### the commission shall set up a union level platform to facilitate the exchange of experience , capacity building and networking , as well as dissemination of relevant outcomes in the area of non - financial assistance to the most deprived persons . ### the commission shall set up a union level platform to facilitate the exchange of experience , capacity building and networking , as well as dissemination of relevant outcomes in the area of non - financial assistance to deprived persons .


### platform ### co - operation and exchange of good practice


### implementation reports and indicators ### implementation reports


### from 2015 to 2022 , the member states shall submit to the commission , by 30 june of each year , an annual implementation report for the operational programme in the previous financial year . ### from 2015 to 2022 , the member states shall submit to the commission , parliament and council , by 30 june of each year , an annual implementation report for the operational programme in the previous financial year .


### the commission and each member state shall meet every year from 2014 to 2022 , unless otherwise agreed , to examine the progress in implementing the operational programme , taking account of the annual implementation report and the commission ' s observations referred to in article 11 , where applicable . ### the commission and each member state shall meet to examine the progress in implementing the operational programme , in the event that such meetings are necessary .


### evaluations shall be carried out by experts that are functionally independent of the authorities responsible for operational programme implementation . all evaluations shall be made public in their entirety . ### evaluations shall be carried out by experts that are functionally independent of the authorities responsible for operational programme implementation . all evaluations shall be made public in their entirety but may under no circumstances include information regarding the identity of individual beneficiaries .


### at its own initiative and in close cooperation with the member states , the commission shall carry out , with the assistance of external experts , an ex - post evaluation , to assess the effectiveness and sustainability of results obtained as well as to measure the added value of the fund . this ex post evaluation shall be completed by 31 december 2023 . ### at its own initiative and in close cooperation with the member states , the commission shall carry out , with the assistance of external experts , an ex - post evaluation , to assess the ease of management of the programmes , the effectiveness and sustainability of results obtained and the needs indicated by the partner organisations , as well as to measure the added value of the fund . this ex post evaluation shall be completed by 31 december 2023 .


### those beneficiaries and partner organisations which have websites shall also provide a short description of the operation , including its aims and results , and highlighting the financial support from the union . ### beneficiaries and partner organisations shall also be obliged to offer the public access to all information on the activities carried out , with the exception of information on the identity of the final recipients , highlighting the financial support from the union .


### in processing personal data pursuant to this article , the managing authority as well as the beneficiaries and partner organisations shall comply with directive 95 / 46 / ec . ### in processing personal data pursuant to articles 13 - 17 , the managing authority as well as the beneficiaries and partner organisations shall comply with directive 95 / 46 / ec .


### the member states shall provide information on and promote the actions supported by the fund . the information shall be addressed to the most deprived persons , the media and the wider public . it shall highlight the role of the union and ensure that the contribution from the fund is visible . ### the member states shall provide information on and promote the actions supported by the fund . the information shall be addressed to deprived persons , the media and the wider public . it shall highlight the role of the union and ensure that the contribution from the fund is visible .


### the commission shall facilitate the coordination among member states with the view to : ### the commission shall facilitate and encourage the coordination among member states with the view to :


### successive european councils have recognised the need to tackle the effect of ageing populations on european social models . a key response to this rapid change in the age structure consists in promoting active ageing and thus ensuring that the baby boom cohorts , who are , on the whole , healthier and better educated than any such cohort before them , have good opportunities for employment and active participation in society . ### successive european councils have recognised the need to tackle the effect of ageing populations on european social models , especially in times of economic slowdown and increased budgetary constraints . a key response to this rapid change in the age structure consists in promoting active ageing and thus ensuring that the baby boom cohorts , who are , on the whole , healthier and better educated than any such cohort before them , have good opportunities for employment and active participation in society .


### successive european councils have recognised the need to tackle the effect of ageing populations on european social models . a key response to this rapid change in the age structure consists in promoting active ageing and thus ensuring that the baby boom cohorts , who are , on the whole , healthier and better educated than any such cohort before them , have good opportunities for employment and active participation in society . ### successive european councils have recognised the need to tackle the effect of ageing populations on european social models . a key response to this rapid change in the age structure consists in promoting the creation of a sustainable culture of lifelong active ageing and thus ensuring that the rapidly - growing population currently in their late 50s and above , who are , on the whole , healthier and better educated than previous generations , have good opportunities for employment and who participate actively in society and family life .


### the growing proportion of older people in europe makes it more important than ever to promote healthy ageing . healthy ageing can help raise labour market participation of older people , enable them to be active in society for longer , improve their individual quality of life and curb the strains on health and social care systems . ### the growing proportion of older people in europe makes it more important than ever to promote healthy ageing and to sensitise the awareness of european citizens to problems connected with an ageing population . healthy ageing can help raise labour market participation of older people , enable them to be active in society for longer and to participate in socially beneficial activities such as volunteering , improve their individual quality of life and curb the strains on health , pension and social care systems and to live a decent life in old age .


### the commission proposed in its proposal for a council decision on ‘ guidelines for the employment policies of the member states’ of 27 april 2010 , which calls under the guidelines 7 and 8 on member states to increase labour force participation through policies to promote active ageing , to raise employment rates of older workers through innovation in work organisation and to increase the employability of older workers through up - skilling and participation in lifelong learning schemes . guideline 10 emphasises the need to enhance social protection systems , lifelong learning and active inclusion policies with the aim to create opportunities at different stages of people ' s lives and shield them from the risk of social exclusion . ### the commission proposed in its proposal for a council decision on ‘ guidelines for the employment policies of the member states’ of 27 april 2010 , which calls under the guidelines 7 and 8 on member states to increase labour force participation through policies to promote active ageing , to raise employment rates of older workers through innovation in work organisation and to increase the employability of older workers through up - skilling and participation in lifelong learning schemes . guideline 10 emphasises the need to enhance social protection systems , lifelong learning and active inclusion policies with the aim to create opportunities at different stages of people ' s lives and shield them from the risk of poverty and social exclusion .


### the commission is implementing the european disability action plan that contains relevant actions for older persons given the correlation between disability and ageing . in particular actions on accessibility following design for all approaches would be relevant . furthermore the eu and all member states have signed the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities that contains relevant provisions for older persons . ### the commission is implementing the european disability action plan that contains relevant actions for older persons given the frequent correlation between disability and ageing . in particular actions on accessibility following design for all approaches would be relevant . actions to support independent living and inclusion in the community are relevant , including those directed at older persons with disabilities , in need of a high level of support and with complex needs , who are particularly vulnerable and prone to social exclusion . furthermore the eu and all member states have signed the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities that contains inter alia relevant provisions for older persons . the recommendation of the council of europe on ageing and disability in the 21st century adopted in 2009 aims to promote autonomy and an independent life for ageing people with disabilities , enhancing the quality of services and ensuring equal access to them . it calls on member states to adopt innovative approaches .


### active ageing is targeted by several union programmes , such as the european social fund , the european regional and development fund , the progress programme , the life long learning programme , the public health programme , the specific programmes on information and communication technologies and on socio - economic sciences and humanities in the seventh framework programme for research and development , the action plan on ‘ ageing well in the information society’ , the ambient assisted living joint programme for research and innovation , the competitiveness and innovation programme with pilot deployment projects on ict for ageing well and the action plan on urban mobility . union co - financing of european year activities will be in accordance with the priorities and rules applying , on an annual or multi - annual basis , to existing programmes and autonomous budget lines in the field of employment , social affairs and equal opportunities . where appropriate , programmes and policies in other fields , such as education and culture , health , research , the information society , regional policy and transport policy , may support the european year . ### active ageing is targeted by several union programmes , such as the european social fund , the european regional and development fund , the progress programme , the life long learning programme , the directive on cross - border healthcare and the programme of community action in the field of health 2008 - 2013 , the specific programmes on information and communication technologies and on socio - economic sciences and humanities in the seventh framework programme for research and development , the action plan on ‘ ageing well in the information society’ , the ambient assisted living joint programme for research and innovation , the competitiveness and innovation programme with pilot deployment projects on ict for ageing well and the action plan on urban mobility . union co - financing of european year activities will be in accordance with the priorities and rules applying , on an annual or multi - annual basis , to existing programmes and autonomous budget lines in the field of employment , social affairs and equal opportunities . where appropriate , programmes and policies in other fields , such as education and culture , health , research , the information society , regional policy and transport policy , may support the european year .


### the overall purpose of the european year shall be to encourage and support the efforts of member states , their regional and local authorities , social partners and civil society to promote active ageing and to do more to mobilise the potential of the rapidly growing population in their late 50s and above , thereby preserving solidarity between generations . active ageing means creating better opportunities and working conditions to enable older workers to play their part in the labour market , combating social exclusion by fostering active participation in society , and encouraging healthy ageing . on this basis , the objectives shall be : ### the overall purpose of the european year shall be to encourage and support the efforts of member states , their regional and local authorities , social partners and civil society to promote active ageing and intergenerational solidarity and to do more to mobilise the potential of the rapidly growing population in their late 50s and above , thereby preserving solidarity between generations . active ageing means creating better opportunities , working conditions and lifelong learning possibilities in order to enable older workers to play their part in the labour market , including , in particular , institutionalised retraining of employees in jobs which are physically very demanding in order to enable them to be employed in appropriate jobs according to their age , combating social exclusion by fostering active participation in society , encouraging healthy ageing and fighting poverty by guaranteeing an adequate income , full and affordable access to social services and a high level of health care for those who are retired . on this basis , the objectives shall be :


### the overall purpose of the european year shall be to encourage and support the efforts of member states , their regional and local authorities , social partners and civil society to promote active ageing and to do more to mobilise the potential of the rapidly growing population in their late 50s and above , thereby preserving solidarity between generations . active ageing means creating better opportunities and working conditions to enable older workers to play their part in the labour market , combating social exclusion by fostering active participation in society , and encouraging healthy ageing . on this basis , the objectives shall be : ### the overall purpose of the european year shall be to facilitate the creation of a sustainable active ageing culture in europe based on a vision for a society for all ages and on solidarity between generations . in this framework , the european year shall encourage and support the efforts of member states , their regional and local authorities , social partners , the business sector and civil society , including associations active in combating poverty and social exclusion , to promote active ageing and to do more to mobilise the potential of the rapidly growing population in their late 50s and above , thereby maintaining the vitality of older people , enhancing their social participation , thus creating a sustainable society for all ages and fostering solidarity and cooperation between generations . the european year shall also promote concrete measures likely to ensure a better inclusion of older people in the labour market as well as education and training opportunities for all in order to reduce unemployment and prevent long term social exclusion . active ageing means creating better opportunities and working conditions to enable older workers to play their part in the labour market , combating age discrimination and social exclusion , supporting the role of older people in family life and voluntary activities and their active participation in society , encouraging healthy ageing , facilitating it through preventive measures and access to quality social and health services . on this basis , the objectives shall be :


### to raise general awareness of the value of active ageing in order to highlight the useful contribution older persons make to society and the economy , to promote active ageing and to do more to mobilise the potential of older persons ; ### to raise general awareness of the value of active ageing in order to highlight the useful contribution older persons make to society , family life and the economy , to promote active ageing and to do more to mobilise the potential of older persons , in order to counteract the adverse effects of the wave of retirements of baby - boomer children and the shrinkage of the active population ;


### to stimulate debate and develop mutual learning between member states and stakeholders at all levels in order to promote active ageing policies , to identify and disseminate good practice and to encourage cooperation and synergies ; ### to stimulate debate and develop mutual learning between member states and stakeholders at all levels in order to promote active ageing policies , to identify challenges and disseminate good practice and to encourage cooperation and synergies ;


### to offer a framework for commitment and concrete action to enable member states and stakeholders at all levels to develop policies through specific activities and to commit to specific objectives related to active ageing . ### to offer a framework for commitments and concrete actions to enable the european union , member states and stakeholders at all levels , with the strong involvement of civil society and the business sector , to develop policies through specific activities and to commit to specific objectives related to active ageing and to combat the unfair social distribution of the costs of the crisis , because , in some member states , elderly people are most affected by anti - recession measures , by pension cuts and by the poor quality of health and social care services .


### – conferences , events and initiatives to promote debate , raise awareness and foster the making of specific commitments ; ### conferences , events and initiatives , with the active participation of civil society and the social partners , to promote debate , raise awareness and foster the making of specific commitments ;


### – conferences , events and initiatives to promote debate , raise awareness and foster the making of specific commitments ; ### – conferences , events , cultural forums , workshops and initiatives to promote debate , raise awareness and foster the making of specific commitments ;


### – information , promotion and educational campaigns ; ### information , promotion and educational campaigns making use of multimedia and social networks ;


### – information , promotion and educational campaigns ; ### – information , promotion , educational and training campaigns ;


### the commission shall convene meetings of the national coordinators for the purpose of coordination at union level and to exchange information , including on commitments made and their implementation in the member states . ### the commission shall convene meetings of the national coordinators for the purpose of coordination at union level and to exchange information , including on commitments made and their implementation in the member states . the commission shall monitor the developments at national , regional and local level by assessment methods , including the use of comparative indicators , and may introduce , where appropriate , new pathways and tools for the achievement of policy goals .


### concessions should not be awarded to economic operators that have participated in a criminal organisation or have been found guilty of corruption , fraud to the detriment of the union’s financial interests or money laundering . non - payment of taxes or social security contributions should also be sanctioned by mandatory exclusion at the level of the union . furthermore , contracting authorities and contracting entities should be given the possibility to exclude candidates or tenderers for serious violations of union or national law aimed at the protection of public interests compatible with the treaty or where the economic operator has shown significant or persistent deficiencies in the performance of a prior concession or concessions of a similar nature with the same contracting authority or contracting entity . ### concessions should not be awarded to economic operators that have participated in a criminal organisation or have been found guilty of corruption , fraud to the detriment of the union’s financial interests or money laundering . non - payment of taxes or social security contributions and other serious violations of union or national law aimed at the protection of public interests compatible with the treaty should also be sanctioned by mandatory exclusion at the level of the union . furthermore , contracting authorities and contracting entities should be given the possibility to exclude candidates or tenderers where the economic operator has shown significant or persistent deficiencies in the performance of a prior concession or concessions of a similar nature with the same contracting authority or contracting entity .


### thresholds this directive shall apply to the following concessions the value of which is equal to or greater than eur&#160 ; 5&#160 ; 000&#160 ; 000 : concessions concluded by contracting entities for the pursuit of one of the activities referred to in annex iii ; concessions concluded by contracting authorities . ### thresholds this directive shall apply to the following concessions : concessions concluded by contracting entities for the pursuit of one of the activities referred to in annex iii ; concessions concluded by contracting authorities . this directive shall apply to concessions the value of which is equal to or greater than : eur 2 500 000 for service concessions ; eur 5 000 000 for works concessions .


### where contracting authorities and contracting entities resort to a concession , the time limit for the submission of applications for the concession shall be not less than 52 days from the date on which the concession notice was sent . ### where contracting authorities and contracting entities resort to a concession , the time limit for the submission of applications for the concession shall be not less than 70 days from the date on which the concession notice was sent .


### it is necessary to establish uniform rules at the level of the union applying across all participants of the investment product market on transparency so as to prevent divergences . a regulation is necessary to ensure that a common standard for key information documents is established in such a uniform fashion so as to be able to harmonise the format and the content of these documents . the directly applicable rules of a regulation should ensure that all participants in the investment product market are subject to the same requirements . this should also ensure uniform disclosures by preventing divergent national requirements as a result of the transposition of a directive . the use of a regulation is also appropriate to ensure that all those selling investment products are subject to uniform requirements in relation to the provision of the key information document to retail investors . ### it is necessary to establish uniform rules at the level of the union applying across all participants of the investment product market on transparency so as to prevent divergences . a regulation is necessary to ensure that a common standard for key information documents is established in such a uniform fashion so as to be able to harmonise the format and the content of these documents . the directly applicable rules of a regulation should ensure that all participants in the investment product market are subject to the same requirements . this should also ensure uniform disclosures by preventing divergent national requirements as a result of the transposition of a directive . the use of a regulation is also appropriate to ensure that all those advising on or selling investment products are subject to uniform requirements in relation to the provision of the key information document to retail investors .


### the key information document should be drawn up in a format which allows retail investors to compare different investment products , since consumer behaviours and capabilities are such that the format , presentation and content of information must be carefully calibrated to maximise understanding and use of information . the same order of items and headings for these items should be followed for each document . in addition , the details of the information to be included in the key information document for different products and the presentation of this information should be further harmonised through delegated acts that take into account existing and on - going research on consumer behaviour , including results from testing the effectiveness of different ways of presenting information with consumers . in addition , some investment products give the retail investor a choice between multiple underlying investments . those products should be taken into account when drawing up the format . ### the key information document should be drawn up in a format which allows retail investors , before taking an investment decision , genuinely to compare different investment products , since consumer behaviours and capabilities are such that the format , presentation and content of information must be carefully calibrated to maximise understanding and use of information . the same order of items and headings for these items should be followed for each document . in addition , the details of the information to be included in the key information document for different products and the presentation of this information should be further harmonised through delegated acts that take into account existing and on - going research on consumer behaviour , including results from testing the effectiveness of different ways of presenting information with consumers . such delegated acts should include relevant standards elaborated by the esas . in particular , when elaborating standards relating to the risk and reward profile , a system of a visual warning based on a scale of risk should be assessed . in addition , some investment products give the retail investor a choice between multiple underlying investments . those products should be taken into account when drawing up the format .


### key information documents are the foundation for investment decisions by retail investors . for this reason , investment product manufacturers have an important responsibility towards retail investors in ensuring that they comply with the rules of this regulation . it is therefore important to ensure that retail investors who relied on a key investor document for their investment decision have an effective right of redress . it should also be ensured that all retail investors across the union have the same right to seek compensation for damages they may suffer due to failures on the part of investment product manufacturers in complying with the requirements set out in this regulation . therefore , rules regarding the liability of the investment product manufacturers should be harmonised . this regulation should establish that the retail investor should be able to hold the product manufacturer liable for an infringement of this regulation in case a loss is caused through the use of the key information document . ### key information documents are the foundation for investment decisions by retail investors . for this reason , investment product manufacturers and persons selling investment products have an important responsibility towards retail investors in ensuring that they comply with the rules of this regulation . it is therefore important to ensure that retail investors who relied on a key investor document for their investment decision have an effective right of redress . it should also be ensured that all retail investors across the union have the same right to seek compensation for damages they may suffer due to failures on the part of investment product manufacturers in complying with the requirements set out in this regulation . therefore , rules regarding the liability of the investment product manufacturers should be harmonised . this regulation should establish that the retail investor should be able to hold the product manufacturer liable for an infringement of this regulation in case a loss is caused through the use of the key information document .


### key information documents are the foundation for investment decisions by retail investors . for this reason , investment product manufacturers have an important responsibility towards retail investors in ensuring that they comply with the rules of this regulation . it is therefore important to ensure that retail investors who relied on a key investor document for their investment decision have an effective right of redress . it should also be ensured that all retail investors across the union have the same right to seek compensation for damages they may suffer due to failures on the part of investment product manufacturers in complying with the requirements set out in this regulation . therefore , rules regarding the liability of the investment product manufacturers should be harmonised . this regulation should establish that the retail investor should be able to hold the product manufacturer liable for an infringement of this regulation in case a loss is caused through the use of the key information document . ### key information documents are the foundation for investment decisions by retail investors . for this reason , investment product manufacturers have an important responsibility towards retail investors in ensuring that they comply with the rules of this regulation . it is therefore important to ensure that retail investors who relied on a key investor document for their investment decision have an effective right of redress . it should also be ensured that all retail investors across the union have the same right to seek compensation for damages they may suffer due to failures on the part of investment product manufacturers in complying with the requirements set out in this regulation , provided a causal link is established . therefore , rules regarding the liability of the investment product manufacturers should be harmonised .


### to ensure the trust of retail investors in investment products , requirements should be established for appropriate internal procedures which ensure that retail investors receive a substantive response from the investment product manufacturer to complaints . ### to ensure the trust of retail investors in investment products , requirements should be established for appropriate internal procedures which ensure that retail investors receive a substantive response from the investment product manufacturer to complaints , which should be given within a reasonable period of time and in writing . replies should be forwarded to retail investors in the same language in which the complaint was written .


### the investment product manufacturer shall draw up a key information document in accordance with the requirements laid down in this regulation for each investment product it produces and shall publish the document on a website of its choice before the investment product can be sold to retail investors . ### the investment product manufacturer shall draw up a key information document in accordance with the requirements laid down in this regulation for each investment product it produces and shall publish the key information document on its website before the investment product can be sold to retail investors . the key information document shall be completed by its annex drawn up by the person selling the investment product where relevant .


### the investment product manufacturer shall draw up a key information document in accordance with the requirements laid down in this regulation for each investment product it produces and shall publish the document on a website of its choice before the investment product can be sold to retail investors . ### the investment product manufacturer shall draw up a key information document in accordance with the requirements laid down in this regulation for each investment product it produces and shall publish the key information document on its website before the investment product can be sold to retail investors . the key information document shall be completed by the person selling the investment product where relevant .


### the investment product manufacturer shall draw up a key information document in accordance with the requirements laid down in this regulation for each investment product it produces and shall publish the document on a website of its choice before the investment product can be sold to retail investors . ### the investment product manufacturer shall draw up a key information document in accordance with the requirements laid down in this regulation for each investment product it produces and shall publish the document together with the prospectus where a prospectus is published and at least on its website before the investment product can be sold to retail investors . the key information document shall be completed by the distributor where relevant .


### the key information document shall be accurate , fair , clear and not misleading ### the key information document shall constitute pre - contractual information . it shall be accurate , fair , clear and not misleading . the document shall make it possible to compare products before taking an investment decision .


### by way of derogation from paragraph 1 , a person selling an investment product may provide the retail investor with the key information document immediately after the conclusion of the transaction where : ### by way of derogation from paragraph 1 , a person selling an investment product , or acting as an intermediary in its sale , may provide the retail investor with the key information document immediately after the conclusion of the transaction where :


### where the person selling the investment product has informed the retail investor of this fact . ### where the person selling the investment product , or acting as an intermediary in its sale , has informed the retail investor of this fact .


### the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with article 23 specifying : ### the european banking authority , the european insurance and occupational pensions authority and the european securities and markets authority shall jointly develop draft technical standards in accordance with article 23 specifying the conditions for fulfilling the requirement to provide the key information document in good time as laid down in paragraph 1 .


### the person selling an investment product shall provide the key information document to retail investors free of charge . ### the person selling an investment product , or acting as an intermediary in its sale , shall provide the key information document to retail investors free of charge .


### the person selling an investment product shall provide the key information document to the retail investor in one of the following media : ### the person selling an investment product , or acting as an intermediary in its sale , shall provide the key information document to the retail investor in one of the following media :


### however , where the key information document is provided using a durable medium other than paper or by means of a website , a paper copy shall be provided to retail investors upon request and free of charge . ### however , where the key information document is provided using a durable medium other than paper or by means of a website , a paper copy shall be provided to retail investors upon request and free of charge . a paper copy shall also be provided free of charge when the investment recommendation or the intermediation service is provided in person .


### the investment product manufacturer shall establish appropriate procedures and arrangements which ensure that retail investors who have submitted a complaint in relation to the key information document receive a substantive reply in a timely and proper manner . ### the investment product manufacturer and the person selling the investment product shall establish appropriate procedures and arrangements which ensure that retail investors who have submitted a complaint in relation to the key information document or the annex to the key information document receive a substantive reply in a timely and proper manner .


### the investment product manufacturer shall establish appropriate procedures and arrangements which ensure that retail investors who have submitted a complaint in relation to the key information document receive a substantive reply in a timely and proper manner . ### the investment product manufacturer and the person selling investment products shall establish appropriate procedures and arrangements which ensure that : retail investors have an effective way of submitting a complaint against the investment product manufacturer ; retail investors who have submitted a complaint in relation to the key information document receive a substantive reply in a timely and proper manner ; and effective redress procedures are also available to retail investors in the event of cross - border disputes , in particular where the investment product manufacturer is located in another member state or in a third country .


### sanctions and measures imposed for the breaches referred to in article 19 shall be disclosed to the public without undue delay including at least information on the type of breach of this regulation and the identity of those responsible for it , unless such disclosure would seriously jeopardise the financial markets . ### penalties and other measures imposed for the breaches referred to in article 19 shall be disclosed to the public without undue delay including at least information on the type of breach of this regulation and the identity of those responsible for it .


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in articles 8 , 10 and 12 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of [ 4 years ] from the entry into force of this regulation . the delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration , unless the european parliament or the council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in articles 8 , 10 , 12 , 13a and 13b shall be conferred on the commission for a period of [ 2 years ] from the entry into force of this regulation . the delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration , unless the european parliament or the council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period .


### the delegation of powers referred to in articles 8 , 10 and 12 may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision of revocation shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision . it shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force . ### the delegation of powers referred to in articles 8 , 10 , 12 , 13a and 13b may be revoked at any time by the european parliament or by the council . a decision of revocation shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision . it shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the official journal of the european union or at a later date specified therein . it shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force .


### a delegated act adopted pursuant to articles 8 , 10 and 12 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of 2 months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by [ 2 months ] at the initiative of the european parliament or the council . ### a delegated act adopted pursuant to articles 8 , 10 , 12 , 13a and 13b shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the european parliament or the council within a period of 2 months of notification of that act to the european parliament and the council or if , before the expiry of that period , the european parliament and the council have both informed the commission that they will not object . that period shall be extended by [ 2 months ] at the initiative of the european parliament or the council .


### europe ' s economic recovery should not be compromised by growing transport congestion , missing energy links and a slowing down of broadband penetration due to infrastructure projects ' difficulties in gaining access to long - term private finance or public funding . ### europe ' s economic recovery should not be compromised by growing transport congestion , missing energy links , outdated energy systems , deficiency in energy supply and a slowing down of broadband penetration , incapacitation of telecommunication services due to infrastructure projects ' difficulties in gaining access to long - term private finance or public funding .


### the pilot phase of the europe 2020 project bond initiative should be launched in preparation of the proposed connecting europe facility . this pilot phase will help to pave the way for the risk - sharing financial instrument under the connecting europe facility . ### the pilot phase of the europe 2020 project bond initiative should be launched in preparation of the proposed connecting europe facility . this pilot phase will help to pave the way for the risk - sharing financial instrument under the connecting europe facility . the decision about the continuation of the europe 2020 project bond initiative after the end of the pilot phase should be taken after an in - depth evaluation of the pilot phase has taken place .


### article 176 of the treaty provides that the european regional development fund is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the union . the erdf therefore contributes to reducing the gap between the levels of development of the various regions and the extent to which the least favoured regions , including rural and urban areas , declining industrial regions , areas with severe and permanent natural and demographic handicaps , such as islands , mountainous areas , sparsely populated areas and border regions , are lagging behind . ### article 176 of the treaty provides that the european regional development fund is intended to help to redress the main regional imbalances in the union and thus enhance the principle of territorial cohesion . the erdf therefore contributes to reducing the gap between the levels of development of the various regions and the extent to which the least favoured regions , including rural and urban areas , declining industrial regions , areas with severe and permanent natural and demographic handicaps , such as islands , mountainous areas , sparsely populated areas and border regions , are lagging behind .


### the erdf should contribute to the europe 2020 strategy , thus ensuring greater concentration of erdf support on the priorities of the union . according to the category of regions supported , the support from the erdf should be concentrated on research and innovation , small and medium - sized enterprises and climate change mitigation . the degree of concentration should take into account the level of development of the region as well as the specific needs of regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 13 period was less than 75% of the average gdp of the eu - 25 for the reference period . ### the erdf should contribute to the europe 2020 strategy , thus ensuring greater concentration of erdf support on the priorities of the union . according to the category of regions supported , the support from the erdf should be primarily concentrated on research and innovation , small and medium - sized enterprises and climate change mitigation . the degree of concentration should take into account the level of development of the region as well as the specific needs of regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 13 period was less than 75% of the average gdp of the eu - 25 for the reference period .


### the erdf should contribute to the europe 2020 strategy , thus ensuring greater concentration of erdf support on the priorities of the union . according to the category of regions supported , the support from the erdf should be concentrated on research and innovation , small and medium - sized enterprises and climate change mitigation . the degree of concentration should take into account the level of development of the region as well as the specific needs of regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 13 period was less than 75% of the average gdp of the eu - 25 for the reference period . ### the erdf should contribute to the europe 2020 strategy , thus ensuring greater concentration of erdf support on the priorities of the union . according to the category of regions supported , the support from the erdf should be concentrated on research and innovation , small and medium - sized enterprises , climate change mitigation and sustainable transport infrastructure development . the degree of concentration should take into account the level of development of the region as well as the specific needs of regions whose gdp per capita for the 2007 - 13 period was less than 75% of the average gdp of the eu - 25 for the reference period .


### within the framework of sustainable urban development , it is considered necessary to support integrated actions to tackle the economic , environmental , climate and social challenges affecting urban areas and to define a procedure to establish the list of cities covered by such actions and the financial allocation set aside for such actions . ### within the framework of sustainable urban development , it is considered necessary to support integrated actions to tackle the economic , environmental , climate , social and mobility challenges affecting urban areas and to define a procedure to establish the list of cities covered by such actions and the financial allocation set aside for such actions .


### in order to identify or test new solutions to issues relating to sustainable urban development which are of relevance at union level , the erdf should support innovative actions in the field of sustainable urban development . ### in order to identify or test new solutions to issues relating to sustainable urban development which are of relevance at union level , the erdf should support innovative actions and technologies in the field of sustainable urban development including innovative traffic management systems .


### the erdf should address the problems of accessibility to , and remoteness from , large markets facing areas with an extremely low population density , as referred to in protocol no 6 on special provisions for objective 6 in the framework of the structural funds in finland and sweden to the 1994 act of accession . the erdf should also address the specific difficulties encountered by certain islands , mountainous areas , border regions and sparsely populated areas whose geographical situation slows down their development , with a view to supporting their sustainable development . ### the erdf should address the problems of accessibility to , and remoteness from , large markets facing areas with an extremely low population density , as referred to in protocol no 6 on special provisions for objective 6 in the framework of the structural funds in finland and sweden to the 1994 act of accession . the erdf should also address the specific difficulties encountered by certain islands , mountainous areas , border regions and sparsely populated areas whose geographical situation slows down their development , with a view to supporting their sustainable development . as a next point , the erdf should address the problems of regular transport services to and from national and regional capitals , links between cities and their surrounding areas - including rural areas - or regions , connections of industrial zones and international airports as well as cultural exchange and tourism infrastructure .


### support to public research and innovation bodies and investment in technology and applied research in enterprises ; ### support to public research and innovation bodies and investment in technology , transport safety , technological innovation in transport and mobility as well as applied research in enterprises ;


### promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in smes ; ### increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy use in smes ;


### supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in public infrastructures and in the housing sector ; ### increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy use in public infrastructures and in the housing sector ;


### promoting low - carbon strategies for urban areas ; ### promoting low - carbon and sustainable mobility strategies , intermodal transport systems and their interoperability , research and planning for urban areas ,


### for programme - specific result indicators , baselines shall use the latest available data and targets shall be fixed for 2022 , but may be expressed in quantitative or qualitative terms . ### for programme - specific result indicators , baselines shall use the latest available data and targets shall be fixed for 2022 , and shall be expressed in both quantitative and qualitative terms .


### the existence of a strategy for integrated actions to tackle the economic , environmental , climate and social challenges affecting urban areas . ### the existence of a strategy for integrated actions to tackle the economic , environmental , climate , social and mobility challenges affecting urban areas .


### operational programmes co - financed by the erdf covering areas with severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps referred to in article 111 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] shall pay particular attention to addressing the specific difficulties of those areas . ### operational programmes co - financed by the erdf covering areas with severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps referred to in article 111 of regulation no [ … ] / 2012 [ cpr ] shall pay particular attention to improving mobility and accessibility in those regions and addressing the specific difficulties of those areas .


### unless it concerns the renewal of an audit engagement in accordance with the second subparagraph of article 33 , the recommendation of the audit committee referred to in paragraph 2 of this article , shall be prepared following a selection procedure organized by the audited entity respecting the following criteria : ### where a public interest entity puts the audit out to tender , the recommendation of the audit committee referred to in paragraph 2 of this article , shall be prepared following a selection procedure organized by the audited entity which shall take into consideration the following criteria :


### the audited entity shall be free to invite any statutory auditors or audit firms to submit proposals for the provision of the statutory audit service on the condition that article 33 is respected and that at least one of the invited auditors or firms is not one who received more than 15% of the total audit fees from large public - interest entities in the member state concerned in the previous calendar year ; ### the audited entity shall publish an invitation to tender for the audit engagement in the official journal of the european union and in national newspapers or publications . tender documents should contain transparent and non - discriminatory selection criteria to be used for the evaluation of proposals . the provisions of article 33must be respected .


### the audited entity shall prepare tender documents to the intention of the invited statutory auditor or audit firm . those tender documents shall allow them to understand the business of the audited entity and the type of statutory audit that is to be carried out . the tender documents shall contain transparent and non - discriminatory selection criteria that shall be used by the audited entity to evaluate the proposals made by statutory auditors or audit firms ; ### the audited entity shall prepare tender documents to the intention of the statutory auditor invited to tender under the public procurement procedure . those tender documents shall allow them to understand the business of the audited entity and the type of statutory audit that is to be carried out . the tender documents shall contain transparent and non - discriminatory selection criteria that shall be used by the audited entity to evaluate the proposals made by statutory auditors or audit firms ;


### the delegation of power shall be conferred for an indeterminate period of time from the date referred to in article 41 paragraph 1 . ### the delegation of power shall be conferred for a period of five years from the date of entry into force of the regulation . the commission shall submit a report in respect of the delegation of power at the latest nine months before the end of the five - year period . the delegation of power shall be extended for periods of an identical duration , unless the european parliament or the council opposes such extension at the latest three months before the end of each period .


### subcontracting increases flexibility for suppliers of groundhandling services . nevertheless , subcontracting and cascade subcontracting may also result in capacity constraints and have negative effects on safety and security . subcontracting should therefore be limited and the rules governing subcontracting should be clarified . ### subcontracting can increase flexibility for suppliers of groundhandling services . nevertheless , subcontracting and cascade subcontracting may also result in capacity constraints and have negative effects on safety and security . subcontracting should therefore be limited and the rules governing subcontracting should be clarified . subcontracting must never result in a decrease of working conditions , safety and security .


### where the number of authorised suppliers is restricted pursuant to paragraph , member states may not prevent an airport user , whatever part of the airport is allocated to him , from having , in respect of each category of groundhandling service subject to limitation , an effective choice , under the conditions laid down in paragraphs and , between at least : ### where the number of authorised suppliers is restricted pursuant to paragraph , member states may not prevent an airport user , whatever part of the airport is allocated to him , from having , in respect of each category of groundhandling service subject to limitation , an effective choice , under the conditions laid down in paragraphs and at least :


### qualification requirements for personnel as well as corresponding training requirements and training plan ; ### qualification requirements for personnel corresponding training requirements and training plan , and producers to prevent accidents and injuries .


### the digital agenda for europe , one of the flagship initiatives of europe 2020 strategy , has already recognised the role of ict and network connectivity as an indispensable basis for the development of our economy and society . for europe to reap the benefits of digital transformation , the union needs a dynamic single market in electronic communications for all sectors and across all of europe . such a truly single communications market will be the backbone of an innovative and ' smart ' digital economy and a foundation of the digital single market where online services can freely flow across borders . ### the digital agenda for europe , one of the flagship initiatives of europe 2020 strategy , has already recognised the role of ict and network connectivity as an indispensable basis for the development of our economy and society . for europe to reap the benefits of digital transformation , the union needs a dynamic single market in electronic communications for all sectors and across all of europe . such a truly single communications market will be the backbone of an innovative and ' smart ' digital economy and a foundation of the digital single market where online services can freely flow across borders within a single , open , standardised and interoperable framework .


### in a seamless single market in electronic communications , the freedom to provide electronic communications networks and services to every customer in the union and the right of each end - user to choose the best offer available on the market should be ensured and should not be hindered by the fragmentation of markets along national borders . the current regulatory framework for electronic communications does not fully address such fragmentation , with national , rather than union - wide general authorisation regimes , national spectrum assignment schemes , differences of access products available for electronic communications providers in different member states , and different sets of sector - specific consumer rules applicable . the union rules in many cases merely define a baseline , and are often implemented in diverging ways by the member states . ### in a seamless single market in electronic communications , the opportunity for each individual to access electronic communications networks and services in the union , the freedom to provide these and the right of each end - user to choose the best offer available on the market must be ensured by fair competition and must not be hindered by the fragmentation of markets along national borders .


### a truly single market for electronic communications should promote competition , investment and innovation in new and enhanced networks and services by fostering market integration and cross - border service offerings . it should thus help to achieve the ambitious high - speed broadband targets set out in the dae . the growing availability of digital infrastructures and services should in turn increase consumer choice , quality of service and diversity of content , and contribute to territorial and social cohesion , as well as facilitating mobility across the union . ### a truly single market for electronic communications should promote competition , investment and innovation in new and enhanced networks and services by fostering market integration and cross - border service offerings . it should thus help to achieve the ambitious high - speed broadband targets set out in the dae and facilitate the emergence of services and applications that are able to exploit open data and formats in an interoperable , standardised and safe way , ensuring that they are available at the same functional and non - functional levels throughout the union . the growing availability of digital infrastructures and services should in turn increase consumer choice , quality of service and diversity of content , and contribute to territorial and social cohesion , as well as facilitating mobility across the union .


### the benefits arising from a single market for electronic communications should extend to the wider digital ecosystem that includes union equipment manufacturers , content and application providers and the wider economy , covering sectors such as banking , automotive , logistics , retail , energy and transport , which rely on connectivity to enhance their productivity through , for example , ubiquitous cloud applications , connected objects and possibilities for integrated service provision for different parts of the company . public administrations and the health sector should also benefit from a wider availability of e - government and e - health services . the offer of cultural content and services , and cultural diversity in general , may be also enhanced in a single market for electronic communications . the provision of connectivity through electronic communications networks and services is of such importance to the wider economy and society that unjustified sector - specific burdens , whether regulatory or otherwise , should be avoided . ### the benefits arising from a single market for electronic communications should extend to the wider digital ecosystem that includes union equipment manufacturers , content and application providers and the wider economy , covering sectors such as banking , automotive , logistics , retail , energy , medicine , mobility and transport , and the intelligent management of emergencies and natural disasters , which rely on connectivity and broadband to enhance their productivity , quality and end - user provision through , for example , ubiquitous cloud applications , advanced analysis of big data from communications networks , connected and interoperable objects and possibilities for integrated cross - border service provision , against a background of open - standard system interoperability and open data . public administrations and the health sector should also benefit from a wider availability of e - government and e - health services . the offer of cultural content and services , and cultural diversity in general , may be also enhanced in a single market for electronic communications . the provision of connectivity through electronic communications networks and services is of such importance to the wider economy and society and to the smart cities of the future that unjustified sector - specific burdens , whether regulatory or otherwise , should be avoided .


### this regulation aims at the completion of the single electronic communications market through action on three broad , inter - related axes . first , it should secure the freedom to provide electronic communications services across borders and networks in different member states , building on the concept of a single eu authorisation which puts in place the conditions for ensuring greater consistency and predictability in the content and implementation of sector - specific regulation throughout the union . second , it is necessary to enable access on much more convergent terms and conditions to essential inputs for the cross - border provision of electronic communications networks and services , not only for wireless broadband communications , for which both licensed and unlicensed spectrum is key , but also for fixed line connectivity . third , in the interests of aligning business conditions and building the digital confidence of citizens , this regulation should harmonise rules on the protection of end - users , especially consumers . this includes rules on non - discrimination , contractual information , termination of contracts and switching , in addition to rules on access to online content , applications and services and on traffic management which not only protect end - users but simultaneously guarantee the continued functioning of the internet ecosystem as an engine of innovation . in addition , further reforms in the field of roaming should give end - users the confidence to stay connected when they travel in the union , and should become over time a driver of convergent pricing and other conditions in the union . ### this regulation aims at the completion of the single electronic communications market through action on three broad , inter - related axes . first , it should secure the freedom to provide electronic communications services across borders and networks in different member states , building on the concept of a single eu authorisation which puts in place the conditions for ensuring greater consistency and predictability in the content and implementation of sector - specific regulation throughout the union . second , it is necessary to enable access on much more convergent terms and conditions to essential inputs for the cross - border provision of electronic communications networks and services , not only for wireless broadband communications , for which both licensed and unlicensed spectrum is key , but also for fixed line connectivity . third , in the interests of aligning business conditions and building the digital confidence of citizens , this regulation should harmonise rules on the protection of end - users , especially consumers . this includes rules on non - discrimination , contractual information , termination of contracts and switching , in addition to rules on net neutrality , safeguarding non - discriminatory access to online content , applications and services and on traffic management which not only protect end - users but simultaneously guarantee the continued functioning of the internet ecosystem as an engine of innovation . in addition , further reforms in the field of roaming should give end - users the confidence to stay connected when they travel in the union , and should become over time a driver of convergent pricing and other conditions in the union .


### this regulation aims at the completion of the single electronic communications market through action on three broad , inter - related axes . first , it should secure the freedom to provide electronic communications services across borders and networks in different member states , building on the concept of a single eu authorisation which puts in place the conditions for ensuring greater consistency and predictability in the content and implementation of sector - specific regulation throughout the union . second , it is necessary to enable access on much more convergent terms and conditions to essential inputs for the cross - border provision of electronic communications networks and services , not only for wireless broadband communications , for which both licensed and unlicensed spectrum is key , but also for fixed line connectivity . third , in the interests of aligning business conditions and building the digital confidence of citizens , this regulation should harmonise rules on the protection of end - users , especially consumers . this includes rules on non - discrimination , contractual information , termination of contracts and switching , in addition to rules on access to online content , applications and services and on traffic management which not only protect end - users but simultaneously guarantee the continued functioning of the internet ecosystem as an engine of innovation . in addition , further reforms in the field of roaming should give end - users the confidence to stay connected when they travel in the union , and should become over time a driver of convergent pricing and other conditions in the union . ### this regulation aims at the completion of the single electronic communications market through action on three broad , inter - related axes . first , it should secure the freedom to provide electronic communications services across borders and networks in different member states , building on the concept of a single eu authorisation which puts in place the conditions for ensuring greater consistency and predictability in the content and implementation of sector - specific regulation throughout the union . second , it is necessary to enable access on much more convergent terms and conditions to essential inputs for the cross - border provision of electronic communications networks and services , not only for wireless broadband communications , for which both licensed and unlicensed spectrum is key , but also for fixed line connectivity . third , in the interests of aligning business conditions and building the digital confidence of citizens , this regulation should harmonise rules on the protection of end - users , especially consumers . this includes rules on non - discrimination , contractual information , termination of contracts and switching , in addition to rules on access to online content , applications and services , traffic management and shared , common standards on end - user privacy and data protection and security , which not only protect end - users but simultaneously guarantee the continued functioning of the internet ecosystem as an engine of innovation . in addition , further reforms in the field of roaming should give end - users the confidence to stay connected when they travel in the union , and should become over time a driver of convergent pricing and other conditions in the union .


### it is necessary to ensure that in similar circumstances there is no discrimination in the treatment of any european electronic communications provider by different member states and that consistent regulatory practices are applied in the single market , in particular as regards measures falling within the scope of articles 15 or 16 of directive 2002 / 21 / ec , or articles 5 or 8 of directive 2002 / 19 / ec . european electronic communications providers should therefore have a right to equal treatment by the different member states in objectively equivalent situations in order to enable more integrated multi - territorial operations . furthermore , there should be specific procedures at union level for the review of draft decisions on remedies within the meaning of article 7a of directive 2002 / 21 / ec in such cases , in order to avoid unjustified divergences in obligations applicable to european electronic communications providers in different member states . ### it is necessary to ensure that in similar circumstances there is no discrimination in the treatment of any electronic communications provider by different member states and that consistent regulatory practices are applied in the single market , in particular as regards measures falling within the scope of articles 15 or 16 of directive 2002 / 21 / ec , or articles 5 or 8 of directive 2002 / 19 / ec . electronic communications providers should therefore have a right to equal treatment by the different member states in objectively equivalent situations in order to enable more integrated multi - territorial operations . furthermore , there should be specific procedures at union level for the review of draft decisions on remedies within the meaning of article 7a of directive 2002 / 21 / ec in such cases , in order to avoid unjustified divergences in obligations applicable to electronic communications providers in different member states .


### electronic communications services providers , including mobile operators or consortia of such operators , should be able to collectively organise the efficient and affordable coverage of a vast part of the union ' s territory to the long - term benefit of end users , and therefore use radio spectrum across several member states with similar conditions , procedures , costs , timing , duration in harmonised bands , and with complementary radio spectrum packages , such as a combination of lower and higher frequencies for coverage of densely and less densely populated areas . initiatives in favour of greater coordination and consistency would also enhance the predictability of the network investment environment . such predictability would also be greatly favoured by a clear policy in favour of long - term duration of rights of use related to radio spectrum , without prejudice to the indefinite character of such rights in some member states , and linked in its turn to clear conditions for the transfer , lease or sharing of part of all of the radio spectrum subject to such an individual right of use . ### electronic communications services providers , including mobile operators or consortia of such operators , should be able to collectively organise the efficient , technologically modern , advanced and affordable coverage of a vast part of the union ' s territory to the long - term benefit of end users , and therefore use radio spectrum across several member states with similar conditions , procedures , costs , timing , duration in harmonised bands , and with complementary radio spectrum packages , such as a combination of lower and higher frequencies for coverage of densely and less densely populated areas . initiatives in favour of greater coordination and consistency would also enhance the predictability of the network investment environment . such predictability would also be greatly favoured by a clear policy in favour of long - term duration of rights of use related to radio spectrum , without prejudice to the indefinite character of such rights in some member states , and linked in its turn to clear conditions for the transfer , lease or sharing of part of all of the radio spectrum subject to such an individual right of use .


### considering the massive growth in radio spectrum demand for wireless broadband , solutions for alternative spectrally efficient access to wireless broadband should be promoted . this includes the use of low - power wireless access systems with a small - area operating range such as so called ' hotspots ' of radio local area networks , as well as networks of low - power small size cellular access points . ### considering the massive growth in radio spectrum demand for wireless broadband , solutions for alternative spectrally efficient access to wireless broadband should be promoted . this includes , but is not restricted to , the use of low - power wireless access systems with a small - area operating range such as so called ' hotspots ' of radio local area networks , as well as networks of low - power small size cellular access points .